Final answer:
To find the tension in the string of a helium balloon at equilibrium, calculate the volume of the balloon, the buoyancy force using the volume and density of air, the weight of the balloon, and then find the difference between the buoyancy force and the balloon's weight.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating the Tension in the String of a Helium Balloon
The problem involves finding the tension in the string to which a helium-filled balloon is attached when the balloon is in equilibrium. To solve this, we need to apply principles of buoyancy and the forces acting on the balloon in air. The buoyancy force can be calculated using Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. In this case, the fluid is air.
First, calculate the volume of the helium inside the balloon using the volume formula for a sphere (V = ¾πr³). Then, calculate the weight of the air displaced by this volume, which is the buoyancy force (F_b = volume * density of air * g), and the weight of the balloon itself (W_balloon = mass of skin * g). At equilibrium, the tension in the string (T) must balance the difference between the buoyancy force and the weight of the balloon.
Steps to calculate the tension:
- Calculate the volume of the sphere: V = ¾π(1.50 m)³.
- Calculate the buoyancy force: F_b = V * density of air * g.
- Calculate the weight of the balloon: W_balloon = mass of skin * g.
- Calculate the tension in the string: T = F_b - W_balloon.
Remember that the tension must provide the necessary force to keep the balloon floating steadily, offsetting the gravitational pull on the balloon's mass.