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

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Ralphonsicus
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SUMMARY

To mass an object less dense than air, such as a balloon, one must utilize buoyancy principles rather than relying on gravity. The recommended method involves placing the object on a digital scale inside a vacuum chamber to obtain an accurate measurement. For calculations, resources like HyperPhysics and Wikipedia's buoyancy page provide essential formulas and guidance. Understanding the distinction between "mass" as a noun and its common misuse as a verb is crucial for clarity in discussions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy principles
  • Familiarity with digital scales
  • Basic knowledge of vacuum chambers
  • Ability to perform calculations related to mass and buoyancy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research buoyancy calculations on Wikipedia
  • Explore the HyperPhysics page on buoyancy
  • Learn about the operation of digital scales in vacuum conditions
  • Study the physics of mass versus weight
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in accurately measuring objects with low density, particularly in scientific experiments involving buoyancy and vacuum conditions.

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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