Final answer:
The net force on a balloon with a mass of 285 kg and a lift force of 6100 N is the difference between the buoyant force and the force due to gravity, which is 3307 N upwards.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the mass of a balloon is 285 kg and the lift force provided by the atmosphere is 6100 N, we can calculate the net force acting on the balloon. The force due to gravity (Fg) acting on the balloon can be calculated using the equation
Fg = mass × gravitational acceleration, where the gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.8 m/s².
Thus, the force due to gravity is Fg = 285 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 2793 N.
The buoyant force (Fb) provided by the atmosphere (the lift force), is given as 6100 N. To find the net force on the balloon, we subtract the force due to gravity from the buoyant force:
Net Force = Fb - Fg
= 6100 N - 2793 N
= 3307 N.
This is the net force that would cause the balloon to accelerate upwards.