Why Does a Helium-Filled Balloon "Rise"?

Richard W. Ramette
Green Valley, AZ 85614
J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (10), p 1149
DOI: 10.1021/ed080p1149
Publication Date (Web): October 1, 2003

Abstract

The article is a lighthearted, conversational exploration of the microscopic basis for Archimedes’principle. The principle is discussed in terms of molecular collisions and density gradients in a gravitational field.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Humor / Puzzles / Games

Keywords (Subject):

Atmospheric Chemistry

Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

  • Cover Image

    Balloon—Toy of Many Colors

    Kathryn R. Williams
    Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (10), 1448
    • Balloon—Toy of Many Colors

      Kathryn R. Williams
      Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (10), 1448

      Balloons are widely used in chemistry, in both classroom and laboratory scenarios. Balloon-related articles in JCE describe gas law experiments and demonstrations, large-scale molecular models, demonstrations of reaction rates and stoichiometry, hydrogen-...

  • Cover Image

    On the Buoyancy of a Helium-Filled Balloon

    John E. Harriman
    Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (2), 246
    • On the Buoyancy of a Helium-Filled Balloon

      John E. Harriman
      Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (2), 246

      It is shown by expansion of the exponential in the barometric formula that the forces due to pressure acting on a balloon are of the form (PV/RT)Mg and that results agree with those suggested by Archimedes principle. Einstein's equivalence principal ...

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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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