Inflating Balloon: Help Sergio Find the Correct Answer

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a helium-filled balloon as it inflates from a smaller volume to a larger volume under a specified pressure condition. The subject area relates to thermodynamics and work done by gases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the work done using the formula for work involving pressure and change in volume, but expresses uncertainty about the inclusion of atmospheric pressure. Other participants confirm the problem statement and question the approach to calculating pressure.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the correct interpretation of the pressure to be used in the calculation. Some guidance has been offered regarding not adding atmospheric pressure, suggesting a potential direction for resolving the misunderstanding.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the treatment of pressure in the work calculation, specifically whether to include atmospheric pressure or not. This may be affecting the original poster's results.

S_fabris
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This is one of many postings from me this week unfortunately I'm just not getting the correct answers...anyway here I go :

A toy balloon is inflated with helium at a constant pressure that is 4.2e5 Pa in excess of atmospheric pressure. If the balloon inflates from a volume of 1.4e-4m3 to 9.6e-4m3, how much work is done by the balloon on the surrounding air? answer in J
this is my work

P= 4.2e5Pa + 101300Pa
= 521 300 Pa
dV = (Vf-Vi) = (9.6e-4 - 1.4e-4)
= 0.00082m3

W= 521 300Pa x (0.00082m3)
427.466 J (incorrect on homework server)

I'm guessing it has something to do with the work on the surrounding air...I have been looking in my books and course notes for this and I can't find anything...can anybody help me out??

Any help is appreciated,
Sergio
 
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Is this what the problem is supposed to be: A toy balloon is inflated with helium at a constant pressure that is [tex]4.2e^5[/tex] Pa in excess of atmospheric pressure. If the balloon inflates from a volume of [tex]1.4e^{-4}m^3[/tex] to [tex]9.6e^{-4}m^3[/tex], how much work is done by the balloon on the surrounding air? answer in J

(?)
 
Yes that's exactly the question on my homework page :)
 
Hey we finally got the answer...for the pressure...do not add the atmospheric pressure...simply use the one in the question

THank you for your time

Sergio
 

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