Question on lifting power of gases

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A rigid balloon filled with helium, when half of the helium is removed, will have increased lifting power due to a reduction in weight while maintaining the same volume. The buoyant force, which is responsible for lifting, depends on the volume of air displaced rather than the gas inside the balloon. By removing helium, the balloon can lift an additional load equivalent to the weight of the helium that was taken out. The concept illustrates that a lighter balloon can enhance lifting capacity, although creating a lightweight, rigid balloon capable of withstanding atmospheric pressure while containing a vacuum is largely theoretical. This thought experiment emphasizes the principles of buoyancy and weight in lifting scenarios.
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take a balloon filled with helium if you where to make the balloon rigid, without changing its weight, then suck half of the helium out of it. would the balloon, with the same volume but different density, have more lifting power?
 
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What produces the "lifting power" is the buoyant force due to the air pressure acting on the balloon. That buoyant force depends on the volume of air displaced, not on what's inside the balloon. But the load that the balloon can lift is reduced by the weight of the balloon material plus whatever is inside the balloon. So by removing some helium, the balloon can lift an additional load equal to the weight of that removed helium. (Even better would be to remove all the helium! Realize that this is a thought experiment only--lightweight, rigid balloons that can withstand atmospheric pressure while containing a vacuum are hard to come by. :wink: )
 
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