How Much Helium Can a 11m Diameter Balloon Hold and What Can It Lift?

AI Thread Summary
An 11-meter diameter spherical helium balloon at 15 degrees Celsius and 100 kPa contains approximately 842.69 kg of helium based on the ideal gas law. However, there is confusion regarding the calculations, particularly in the application of the gas laws and the balloon's volume. The volume of the balloon must be accurately determined to assess the helium capacity. Additionally, the discussion raises questions about the feasibility of lifting significant weight, as the calculated helium mass seems excessively high for a balloon of this size. Understanding the correct application of gas laws is crucial for resolving these issues.
annas425
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A spherical helium balloon 11 m in diameter is at ambient temperature and pressure, 15 degrees Celsius and 100 kPa. How much helium does it contain? It can list a total mass of balanced atmospheric air. How much mass of the balloon fabric & cage can then be lifted?

Here is my work but I'm unsure if it's correct. If someone could let me know I would really appreciate it. I also don't know how to answer the second part of the problem at all. Thanks in advance!

r = 5.5 m
T = 15°C = 288.15 K
P = 100 kPa = 100 kN/m
R = .287 kN m/kg K

m = PV/RT = 842.69 kg Helium
 
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annas425 said:
m = PV/RT = 842.69 kg Helium
You seem to have hybridised two formulae:
PV = mRspecT
PV = nRT
where m is mass, n is number of moles, and Rspec is a constant specific to the gas.
 
What did you get for the volume of the balloon?

Does it really make sense to you that a balloon of this volume can hold close to a metric ton of helium at atmospheric pressure?

chet
 
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