Weight of air-filled balloon vs empty balloon

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the weights of two rubber balloons, one filled with air and the other empty, and the observations made when weighed in different environments. The subject area includes principles of buoyancy and density.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how the weight of the air-filled balloon compares to the empty one, questioning the effects of buoyancy and density. Some suggest that the conditions of the experiment (air vs. vacuum) influence the outcome, while others focus on the inherent properties of the balloons themselves.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with various interpretations being explored. Participants are questioning assumptions about buoyancy and weight, and some guidance has been offered regarding the principles of Archimedes and the relationship between the weight of displaced air and the weight of air inside the balloon.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the effects of buoyancy and the conditions under which the balloons are weighed. Participants are also navigating the implications of air pressure differences on the weight of the air inside the balloon.

ritwik06
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Homework Statement


Take 2 rubber balloons A and B of equal mass. Balloon A is filled with air and balloon B is left empty and the two are weighed in a pan balance. What will you observe and why?




2. The attempt at a solution

The balloon with air will appear lighter if experiment is conducted in air and vice versa if in vacuum. Am I right?
 
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The question is asking which balloon is heavier its has nothing to do with the conditions of the experiment.
 
Kurdt said:
The question is asking which balloon is heavier its has nothing to do with the conditions of the experiment.

Then I think the one with air is heavier. What do you think? This was a 10 marks question. They won't take just a one line answer. What would you say?
 
ritwik06 said:

Homework Statement


Take 2 rubber balloons A and B of equal mass. Balloon A is filled with air and balloon B is left empty and the two are weighed in a pan balance. What will you observe and why?




2. The attempt at a solution

The balloon with air will appear lighter if experiment is conducted in air and vice versa if in vacuum. Am I right?
You are right about the second situation, but not about the first. What is the net force on each balloon?
 
Gokul43201 said:
You are right about the second situation, but not about the first. What is the net force on each balloon?

In the first case, that is in air, the balloon with air has less density, thus, an upthrust will act on the balloon due to air present. While in the second case, there will be no upthrust on the balloon filled with air.
 
ritwik06 said:
In the first case, that is in air, the balloon with air has less density, thus, an upthrust will act on the balloon due to air present.
How big is the upthrust? What about the weight? Isn't the weight also greater, due to the air in it? Does one of these two dominate? If yes, which one; if no, why not?

What does Archimedes say?
 
Gokul43201 said:
How big is the upthrust? What about the weight? Isn't the weight also greater, due to the air in it? Does one of these two dominate? If yes, which one; if no, why not?

What does Archimedes say?

I think the upthrust will be slight greater. Accordind to archimedes. Wt. of fluid displaced= upthrust.
 
ritwik06 said:
I think the upthrust will be slight greater. Accordind to archimedes. Wt. of fluid displaced= upthrust.
And why do you say the weight of the air displaced by the balloon is greater than the weight of the air in the balloon?
 
Gokul43201 said:
And why do you say the weight of the air displaced by the balloon is greater than the weight of the air in the balloon?

Oh! I am sorry they will be equal !:biggrin:
 
  • #10
Yes, to a resonable approximation, they will be equal.

But if you look at it carefully, the air inside the balloon actually weighs a tiny bit more than the air displaced by the balloon, because the air pressure inside the balloon is a little bit higher than atmospheric pressure.
 
  • #11
Thanks a lot :D
 

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