How much lift does the average helium filled party balloon produce? (not including any extras like ribbon string)
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The mass difference of the air it would have contained and the Helium it does = the volume of the balloon multiplied by the difference in density of the helium and air. Suppose the balloon is spherical and 12" in diameter (physicists can only do the arithmatic for spherical objects, and preferably in a vacuum) . That gives it a volume of $\frac43 \pi r^3$ so annoyingly mixing units, $\frac43 \pi {\,0.15\,\text{m}^3} = 0.014{\,\text{m}^3}$ Air has a density of 1.2 $\text{kg m}^3$ at room temperature and pressure and Helium $0.176 \,\text{kg m}^3$ So your balloon has a lifting capacity of $0.014 * (1.2-0.176) = 0.014\,\text{kg}$ |
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