Achieve Neutral Buoyancy.
The Challenge
Determine how much mass can a balloon can lift.
Buoyancy is a force that causes an object to rise. The amount of buoyancy force is also called lift. Like any force, lift can be used to move and accelerate an object with mass. If the lift is more than the weight, it can overcome the force of weight on an object causing it to rise.
Supplies
In order to complete Objective 5:
STEP 1: Answer the Hypothesis Questions Online
Discuss these questions with your groups and post your answers online:
In order to complete Objective 6:
STEP 1: Achieve Neutral Buoyancy with One Balloon.
Rig up a device where you can attach washers and paperclips to the balloon easily, and remove them as needed. Get the balloon to float right where you let it go.
STEP 2: Find a way to measure the weight that one balloon can hold and be naturally buoyant.
You have a scale to work with – how will you use it to answer this question?
In order to complete Objective 7:
STEP 1: Find the neutral buoyancy weight for 3 balloons.
STEP 2: Post your results and process in the form below.
Determine how much mass can a balloon can lift.
Buoyancy is a force that causes an object to rise. The amount of buoyancy force is also called lift. Like any force, lift can be used to move and accelerate an object with mass. If the lift is more than the weight, it can overcome the force of weight on an object causing it to rise.
Supplies
- 1 Digital Scale
- 3 12" Party Balloons, inflated with helium and tied with string
- Washers and Paperclips
In order to complete Objective 5:
STEP 1: Answer the Hypothesis Questions Online
Discuss these questions with your groups and post your answers online:
- What happens when an object has more weight than a balloon can lift?
- What happens when an object has less weight than a balloon can lift?
- What happens when an object has exactly the weight a balloon can lift? (Hint – this is neutral buoyancy!!)
In order to complete Objective 6:
STEP 1: Achieve Neutral Buoyancy with One Balloon.
Rig up a device where you can attach washers and paperclips to the balloon easily, and remove them as needed. Get the balloon to float right where you let it go.
STEP 2: Find a way to measure the weight that one balloon can hold and be naturally buoyant.
You have a scale to work with – how will you use it to answer this question?
In order to complete Objective 7:
STEP 1: Find the neutral buoyancy weight for 3 balloons.
STEP 2: Post your results and process in the form below.