What is the tension in the cord of a helium balloon tied to a child's wrist?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a buoyancy problem involving a helium balloon tied to a child's wrist. The original poster presents the scenario of a 15 gram rubber balloon filled with 18 liters of helium and seeks to determine the tension in the cord, noting the expected answer is 0.050 N.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevant equations for buoyancy and tension, with some questioning the volume displaced and the correct application of buoyancy force calculations. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the forces acting on the balloon and the calculations needed to find the tension.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the accuracy of their approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the buoyancy force, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or final answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the density of air and helium, as well as the volume of the balloon, which is stated to be 18 L. There is confusion regarding the conversion of units and the application of the buoyancy equation.

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Helium Balloon Question!

Hey I have a buoyancy question here, anyone know how to solve it? A 15 gram rubber balloon is filled with 18 L of Helium (density 0.179kg/m^3) and tied with a string to a child's wrist. Find the tension in the cord. The answer is 0.050N but what is the solution?
Im not sure if yuo need it but the denisty of air is 1.29kg/m^3. Thanks.

Homework Equations


Equations i used include F buoyancy = F tension + m helium * gravity + m balloon * gravity

and F buoyancy = density * gravity * volume displaced


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to solve but got completely different answers, what is the volume displaced? is that the right thing to use?
 
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Looks right to me. Can you show your calculations?
 
F tension = (18000 m^3 * .179) (9.8) + (15/1000kg * 9.8) + Force of Bouyancy

But I am not sure how to get the force of buoyancy, can anyone help?
 
physicsperson said:
F tension = (18000 m^3 * .179) (9.8) + (15/1000kg * 9.8) + Force of Bouyancy

But I am not sure how to get the force of buoyancy, can anyone help?

I think the buoyancy force is the volume of the balloon, times the density of air * g.
 
The bouyancy is the difference between the weight of 18 L of air and the weight of the balloon.

(You are TOLD that the volume is 18L.)
 
ok thanks for the help, i will try this
 
Still doesn't help. My equations must be wrong. Let's see: the downwards forces are the tension, weight of helium, and weight of balloon, and the upwards force is force of buoyancy. the question is asking for tension force. the answer is apparently 0.050 N. did anyone get that answer, cause i sure cant.thanks..
 
physicsperson said:
F tension = (18000 m^3 * .179) (9.8) + (15/1000kg * 9.8) + Force of Bouyancy

But I am not sure how to get the force of buoyancy, can anyone help?

It should be: F tension = -(0.018 m^3 * .179) (9.8) - (15/1000kg * 9.8) + Force of Bouyancy.

fbuoyancy = 1.29*0.018*9.8

Working out the above, gives me 0.05N.
 
Last edited:
18L = 0.018m^3, not 18000m^3.
 
  • #10
lol ur rite
 

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