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Chapter 5: Problem 16

Explain why a helium weather balloon expands as it rises in the air. Assume that the temperature remains constant.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The helium weather balloon expands as it rises because the atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude. According to Boyle's Law, at constant temperature, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure. Therefore, as the pressure reduces, the volume (and thus the size) of the balloon increases, causing it to expand.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the basics of Boyles' Law

Boyle's Law states that for a given amount of gas at a constant temperature, the volume of the gas is inversely proportional to its pressure. This can be expressed with the formula: P1*V1 = P2*V2, where P1 and V1 are the initial pressure and volume, and P2 and V2 are the final pressure and volume.
02

Apply Boyles' Law to the scenario

In the context of a helium-filled weather balloon rising in the sky, the pressure (P) gradually decreases as the balloon rises higher (since atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude). Given that the temperature is held constant, as per Boyle's Law, the volume (V) of the balloon should increase in response to the decrease in pressure.
03

Understand the result

As a result, the expansion of the helium-filled weather balloon as it rises is a manifestation of Boyle's Law. As the balloon ascends to heights where the atmospheric pressure is lower, the volume of the gas (helium, in this case) expands, causing the overall balloon to expand in size as well.

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