Pressure inside a helium balloon

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the absolute pressure of helium inside a spherical balloon with a radius of 1.95 m and a mass of 4.56 kg, filled at a temperature of 289 K. The initial calculations neglected the mass of the balloon material, leading to an incorrect pressure of 678,775.745 Pa. By incorporating the mass of the balloon into the buoyancy calculations, the correct pressure was determined to be 590,585.5565 Pa. The key equations used include the ideal gas law and the volume formula for a sphere.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of buoyancy principles and Archimedes' principle
  • Familiarity with the volume calculation of a sphere (V = 4/3πr³)
  • Basic understanding of molar mass and its application in gas calculations
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  • Review buoyancy calculations in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about the ideal gas law applications in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the effects of temperature and pressure on gas behavior
  • Investigate the properties of helium and its applications in buoyancy
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of gas laws and buoyancy principles.

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!
 
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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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