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Answer:

F = 12,387 Newtons


Steps to complete the problem:
  1. List all of the variables given.

    Mass of balloon = 80 kg
    Volume of balloon = 1200 m3
    Density of Helium = .18 kg/m3
    Density of Air = 1.3 kg/m3

  2. Determine the the total mass that can be lifted by the helium balloon.

    Mass lifted = mass of the volume of fluid displaced

    Mass = (1200 m3)( 1.3 kg/m3)

    Mass = 1560 kg

    The total amount that can be lifted = 1560 kg (including balloon, helium and payload)

  1. Determine the mass that is displaced.
    1. Determine the mass of helium.
    (1200 m3)*(.18 kg/m3) = 216 kg
    1. Subtract the mass of the balloon and mass of the 1200 m3 volume of helium from the total mass that can be lifted.
1560 kg - 80 kg - 216 kg = 1264 kg
  1. Determine the Force required to lift the displace volume of 1200 m3.

    F = mg (where g is gravity)

    F = (1264 kg) * (9.8 m/s2)

    F = 12,387 Newtons


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Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: May 13 2021

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