Solving Fluids Questions: Helium-Filled Balloon & Sealed Spherical Shell

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In summary, the conversation discusses two physics problems. The first problem involves a helium-filled balloon attached to a string, and the question is to determine the value of h when the balloon is released. The second problem involves a sealed spherical shell containing a fluid and a bubble of air, and the question is to determine the pressure at the center of the sphere under different conditions. The conversation also includes a discussion on calculating the mass of helium and air in the balloon, as well as the relationship between the load the balloon can lift and the string and envelope masses.
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Homework Statement



A helium-filled balloon is tied to a 2.00-m-long, 0.0500-kg uniform string. The balloon is spherical with a radius of 0.400m. When released, it lifts a length h of string and then remains in equilibrium, as in the figure. Assuming envelope of the balloon has mass 0.250 kg and that the balloon raises a height less than the length of the string, determine the value of h.

and

A sealed spherical shell of diameter d is rigidly attached to a cart that is moving horizontally with an acceleration a to the right as shown in the picture. The sphere is nearly filled with a fluid having density ρ and also contains one small bubble of air at atmospheric pressure.

a) When a = 0, determine the pressure at the center of the sphere.

b) Now assume a ≠ 0, determine the pressure again at the center of the sphere. (Hint. Think of what water does in a glass when you accelerate it to the right or which way you feel the force when you accelerate your car. Don't forget you now have two forces.)


I have no idea where to even begin with these two problems. Could someone please point me in the right direction?
 
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  • #2
1, Work out the mass of helium in the balloon, and the mass of air this displaces. That gives you the load the balloon can lift. Remember the load is the string + envelope.
 
  • #3
I calculated the mass of helium to be .047718 kg. Is the mass of air displaced equal to this too?

And this would be equal to mass of string * height + mass of envelope?
 

Related to Solving Fluids Questions: Helium-Filled Balloon & Sealed Spherical Shell

1. How does the buoyant force affect a helium-filled balloon?

The buoyant force on a helium-filled balloon is what allows it to float. When the balloon is released, the weight of the helium gas inside is less than the weight of the air it displaces, causing it to rise. This is due to Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force on an object in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

2. What is the difference between a sealed spherical shell and a regular balloon?

A sealed spherical shell is a hollow, spherical object that is completely sealed and filled with a gas, while a regular balloon is typically made of a thin, stretchy material and filled with a gas or air. The main difference is that the sealed spherical shell maintains its shape and volume, while a regular balloon can change shape and volume as the gas inside expands or contracts.

3. How does the volume of the sealed spherical shell affect its buoyancy?

The volume of the sealed spherical shell directly affects its buoyancy. According to Archimedes' principle, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Therefore, a larger volume means a greater displacement of fluid and a greater buoyant force, allowing the sealed spherical shell to float.

4. Can a helium-filled balloon float in any fluid?

No, a helium-filled balloon can only float in a fluid that is less dense than the gas inside the balloon. This is because the buoyant force is dependent on the density of the fluid. If the fluid is denser than the gas, the balloon will sink instead of float.

5. How does the gas pressure inside the sealed spherical shell affect its buoyancy?

The gas pressure inside the sealed spherical shell has a direct impact on its buoyancy. As the gas pressure increases, the volume of the shell also increases, causing it to displace more fluid and experience a greater buoyant force. However, if the gas pressure decreases, the volume of the shell decreases and the buoyant force decreases as well, potentially causing the shell to sink.

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