Hot air balloon gravity homework

In summary, a hot air balloon traveling vertically upward at a constant speed of 3.4 m/s releases a package when it is 11 m above the ground. Using relevant equations, the package will be in the air for 1.88 seconds before reaching the ground. However, this answer may not be accepted by an online submission program due to potential discrepancies in values and units.
  • #1
DrunkAppl

Homework Statement


A hot air balloon is traveling vertically upward at a constant speed of 3.4 m/s. When it is 11 m above the ground, a package is released from the balloon. After it is released, for how long is the package in the air? The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Answer in units of s.


Homework Equations


y=y0 + v0*t+0.5gt^2
quadratic equation

The Attempt at a Solution


0 = 11 + 3.4t - 4.9t^2
t=1.88 s

But the online homework said it is wrong. Someone check it please
 
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  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums.
DrunkAppl said:

Homework Statement


A hot air balloon is traveling vertically upward at a constant speed of 3.4 m/s. When it is 11 m above the ground, a package is released from the balloon. After it is released, for how long is the package in the air? The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Answer in units of s.

Homework Equations


y=y0 + v0*t+0.5gt^2
quadratic equation

The Attempt at a Solution


0 = 11 + 3.4t - 4.9t^2
t=1.88 s

But the online homework said it is wrong. Someone check it please
Your answer is conceptually correct. Online submission programs can be notoriously fickle. Check that you are using the correct value for g, the required number of significant figures and whether units are required in your final answer.
 

1. How does gravity affect a hot air balloon?

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the ground. In a hot air balloon, gravity causes the balloon to descend because the weight of the balloon and its contents is greater than the force of the hot air lifting it up. To maintain altitude, the hot air inside the balloon must be heated continually to counteract the effects of gravity.

2. What is the role of buoyancy in a hot air balloon?

Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object immersed in it. In a hot air balloon, the heated air inside the balloon is less dense than the surrounding cold air, creating a buoyant force that lifts the balloon up. This force must be carefully balanced with the force of gravity in order to control the altitude of the balloon.

3. How does the temperature of the air affect a hot air balloon's flight?

The temperature of the air plays a crucial role in a hot air balloon's flight. As the air inside the balloon is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, lifting the balloon up. However, if the air is too cold, the balloon will not be able to generate enough lift to stay aloft. Changes in air temperature also affect the density of the surrounding air, which can impact the balloon's buoyancy and stability.

4. What happens if a hot air balloon loses lift?

If a hot air balloon loses lift, it will begin to descend towards the ground. This can happen if the air inside the balloon cools down, causing it to become more dense and lose buoyancy. To regain lift, the pilot can heat the air inside the balloon or release some of the weight in the basket. In emergency situations, the pilot may also release some of the hot air to descend more quickly.

5. How do pilots control the altitude and direction of a hot air balloon?

Pilots control the altitude of a hot air balloon by adjusting the temperature of the air inside the balloon. To ascend, the air is heated, and to descend, the air is allowed to cool. The direction of the balloon is controlled by finding different air currents at different altitudes and using them to steer the balloon. Pilots also use a combination of wind direction and speed at different altitudes to determine the direction of the balloon's flight.

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