Pressure inside a helium balloon

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the absolute pressure of helium inside a spherical balloon, given its dimensions, mass, and the surrounding air density. The context includes considerations of buoyancy and the effects of the balloon's material on the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the impact of the balloon's mass on buoyancy and pressure calculations, questioning the interpretation of the assumption regarding the balloon material's displacement of air.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the importance of including the mass of the balloon material in the calculations. There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding the assumptions stated in the problem, leading to a reevaluation of the initial approach.

Contextual Notes

The problem includes an assumption that the balloon material displaces negligible air, which has led to differing interpretations about its relevance in the calculations.

rubenhero
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Homework Statement


g) A spherical balloon of radius R = 1.95 m is made from a material of mass M = 4.56 kg and is filled with helium gas at temperature T = 289 K. Assume the thickness of the balloon is negligible compared to the radius of the balloon, and the balloon just floats on air, neither rising nor falling. If the density of the surrounding air is ρ = 1.13 kg/m3, find P, the absolute pressure of the helium inside the balloon.
ASSUME: The balloon material displaces a negligible amount of air, and therefore creates no measurable buoyancy.


Homework Equations


M g = ρ V g, PV = nRT, Volume of sphere = 4/3(∏r3), n = total mass/molar mass


The Attempt at a Solution


V = 4/3(∏r3)
V = 4/3(∏1.953)
V = 31.05935577m3

M g = ρ V g
MHe g = 1.13 kg/m3 * 31.05935577m3 * g
MHe = 35.09707202 Kg = 35097.07202g

n = total mass/molar mass = total mass He/molar mass He
n = 35097.07202g/ (4g/mol)
n = 8774.268005 mol

P= (nRT)/V
P = (8774.268005 mol * 8.314 J/mol-K * 289K) / 31.05935577m3
P = 678775.745 Pa

I thought all the steps I took were right, but the answer I calculated is wrong. Any help with figuring out what I did wrong is appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You ignored the mass of the balloon material, M(balloon)=4.56 kg.

ehild
 
Wouldn't that mass be ignored if the balloon material displaces a negligible amount of air?
 
The volume of the balloon material is ignored, but not its mass. It is given as 4.56 kg. The buoyant force is equal to the total weight: the sum of the (mass of balloon material + the mass of helium) times g.

ehild
 
Thank you for your help ehild, that "ASSUME: The balloon material displaces a negligible amount of air, and therefore creates no measurable buoyancy. " part really confused me. I accounted for the mass of the balloon material and got an answer to be 590585.5565Pa, I put in 5.90e5Pa and it is the right answer.
 
Splendid!

ehild
 

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