Question
62. A latex rubber balloon inflated with helium will soar up into the atmosphere if it is released. (11.7,11.9) (a) How will the balloon's volume change as it rises? Why? (b) What might be the ultimate fate of the balloon?
Solution
4.1
(197 Votes)
Lucy
Veteran ยท Tutor for 11 years
Answer
**(a) How will the balloon's volume change as it rises? Why?**The balloon's volume will *increase* as it rises. This is because atmospheric pressure *decreases* with altitude. As the external pressure on the balloon decreases, the internal pressure of the helium inside the balloon causes it to expand until the internal and external pressures are roughly equalized. This expansion continues as the balloon rises and encounters lower and lower atmospheric pressure.**(b) What might be the ultimate fate of the balloon?**There are a few possible fates for the balloon:* **Rupture:** As the balloon rises and expands, the latex material stretches. Eventually, the latex may reach its elastic limit and rupture, causing the balloon to burst. This is the most likely outcome.* **Leakage:** Even if the balloon doesn't burst, small leaks can develop in the latex, allowing the helium to escape slowly. This would eventually cause the balloon to lose buoyancy and fall back to Earth.* **Reaching an equilibrium altitude (less likely):** Theoretically, if the balloon is strong enough and doesn't leak, it could reach an altitude where the density of the helium inside the balloon (which decreases as it expands) equals the density of the surrounding air. At this point, the balloon would become neutrally buoyant and stop rising. However, this is less likely given the typical strength of latex balloons and the tendency for them to develop leaks.