Why Does a Balloon Filled with Helium Experience Greater Buoyant Force?

What causes a balloon filled with helium to experience a greater buoyant force compared to a similar balloon filled with cold air? A balloon filled with helium will experience a greater buoyant force compared to a similar balloon filled with cold air. This is mainly due to the difference in density between helium and cold air. When a balloon is filled with helium, it displaces a larger volume of air than a balloon filled with cold air of the same size. The lower density of helium leads to a higher buoyant force acting on the helium-filled balloon, causing it to rise.

Understanding Buoyant Force

Buoyant force is the upward force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid, such as air or water. It is directly proportional to the density of the fluid and the volume of the displaced fluid. In the case of a balloon, the buoyant force is determined by the difference in density between the gas inside the balloon and the surrounding air.

Helium vs. Cold Air

Helium is less dense than cold air, meaning it has a lower mass per unit volume. When a balloon is filled with helium, it displaces a larger volume of air than a similar balloon filled with cold air. The lower density of helium compared to cold air results in a greater buoyant force acting on the helium-filled balloon, causing it to float or rise upwards.

Therefore, the buoyant force experienced by a balloon filled with helium is greater than that of a similar balloon filled with cold air, leading to its upward movement in the surrounding air.

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