How many balloons would it take to lift an object?

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In summary, balloons lift objects by utilizing the principle of buoyancy and the number of balloons needed depends on the weight of the object and the lifting capacity of the balloons. Not all balloons are suitable for lifting objects, with helium balloons being the most commonly used. The shape of the balloon can also affect its lifting capacity, with spherical balloons providing more lift than cylindrical ones. Other factors that can affect the lifting of an object include the weight and shape of the object, the size and type of balloons, altitude and air temperature, and external forces such as wind. It is important to consider all of these factors when attempting to lift an object with balloons.
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moonman239
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Like what's the equation?
 
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weight of air displaced - weight of balloon = lift
 
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moonman239 said:
Like what's the equation?

We know gravity is ~10 meters a second per second downward. So, if I had an object of mass M the force needed to keep an object up in the air would be M*10. Now, the only question is how much force does one balloon produce in the upward direction?

Edit: beaten
 

1. How do balloons lift objects?

Balloons lift objects by utilizing the principle of buoyancy. As the balloon is filled with gas, it becomes less dense than the surrounding air and therefore experiences an upward force. This force, known as buoyant force, is what allows the balloon to lift objects.

2. How many balloons would it take to lift a specific object?

The number of balloons needed to lift a specific object depends on the weight of the object and the lifting capacity of the balloons. A general rule of thumb is that it would take about 100 balloons to lift a small person, but this number may vary depending on factors such as balloon size, altitude, and air temperature.

3. Can any type of balloon be used to lift an object?

No, not all balloons are suitable for lifting objects. Helium balloons are typically used for this purpose because helium is a lighter gas than air and therefore creates more lift. Regular air-filled balloons would not be able to provide enough lift to lift an object.

4. Can the shape of the balloon affect its lifting capacity?

Yes, the shape of the balloon can affect its lifting capacity. A spherical balloon will provide more lift than a cylindrical one of the same volume because it has a larger surface area. Additionally, elongated or oddly shaped balloons may not be as effective at creating lift.

5. What other factors besides the number of balloons can affect the lifting of an object?

In addition to the number and type of balloons, other factors that can affect the lifting of an object include the weight and shape of the object, the size and type of balloons, the altitude and air temperature, and any external forces such as wind. It is important to carefully consider all of these factors when attempting to lift an object with balloons.

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