How to mass an object that is less dense than air?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for determining the mass of objects that are less dense than air, such as balloons. Participants explore various approaches and clarify terminology related to mass measurement in contexts where traditional gravitational methods may not apply.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the use of the term "massing," suggesting that "mass" is a noun and not a verb.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of buoyancy as a method for weighing less dense objects, referencing external resources for further information.
  • A suggestion is made to weigh the object as if it were submerged in water, implying that this method could yield accurate results.
  • A different approach is proposed, which involves placing the object on a digital scale inside a vacuum chamber to measure its mass without the influence of buoyancy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology used and the methods for measuring mass, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach. Some methods are proposed, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective technique.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity surrounding the term "massing" and how it applies to measuring mass in non-standard conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed methods may depend on specific assumptions about the environment and the properties of the objects in question.

Ralphonsicus
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How does one go about massing an object less dense than air (like a balloon), because gravity can then not be relied on?
 
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What do mean by "massing"? Note - "mass" is a noun, not a verb.
 
Buoyancy! This page should help: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pbuoy4.html#c2

Just pretend you are weighing the object underwater and the page should work fine. If you want to do the calculations by hand you can find them on wikipedia's page on Buoyancy as well as on the first site linked.
 
mathman said:
What do mean by "massing"? Note - "mass" is a noun, not a verb.

Having trouble understanding? Drakkith seemed to cope just fine.

Drakkith said:
Buoyancy! This page should help: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pbuoy4.html#c2

Just pretend you are weighing the object underwater and the page should work fine. If you want to do the calculations by hand you can find them on wikipedia's page on Buoyancy as well as on the first site linked.

Thanks, just what I was looking for.
 
Ralphonsicus said:
Having trouble understanding? Drakkith seemed to cope just fine.

It's important to always be clear as to what you are asking.
 
Place the object on a digital scale inside of a vacuum chamber.
 

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