Question

A hydrogen balloon floats in the atmosphere on mars, which has a density of 0.020 kg/m^3? Explain yo
ur answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

Any type of balloon with positive buoyancy will ascend to the altitude where it is in equilibrium with the downward force of gravity. Lift is created by the the gas inside the balloon envelope because it as a lower density than the ambient air surrounding the balloon. Because of the difference in density, the balloon wants to float upwards in the atmosphere much like a bubble does in water. Just as the bubble in water, the gas inside the balloon expands during ascent. There are basically 2 ways to handle this, either with a partially filled balloon at takeoff or by letting the gas escape trough an opening in the balloon envelpope during the ascent. Toy balloons are elastic and will increase in size until they burst. When the balloon gains altitude, the surrounding air pressure and density decreases. So does the gas inside the balloon to a certain extent. The net results is decreasing lift as the balloon rises, until the ascent slows down and stops at the altitude of equilibrium. This highest altitude is primarily a function of gas density, envelope volume and the weight of the whole contraption. So if You want to break an altitude record, You should build a very large helium or hydrogen balloon...