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Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air?
  • a)
    Helium is a mono-atomic gas, whereas nearly all the molecules that make up air, such as nitrogen and oxygen, are diatomic.
  • b)
    The average speed of helium atoms is higher than the average speeds of air molecules, and the higher speed of collisions with the balloon walls propels the balloon upward.
  • c)
    Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average is molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.
  • d)
    Because helium has a lower molar mass than the average air molecules, the helium atoms are in fastermotion. This means that the temperature. Hot gases tend to rise.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon ...
Explanation:

The correct answer is option C: Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average air molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.

Reasoning:

To understand why a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air, we need to consider the properties of helium and air.

1. Density:

- Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance.
- Helium is a lighter gas compared to air, which is a mixture of primarily nitrogen and oxygen.
- The helium atoms have a lower mass than the average air molecules.
- This means that the helium gas is less dense than air.

2. Buoyancy:

- When an object is placed in a fluid (such as air), it experiences an upward force called buoyancy.
- The buoyant force depends on the density of the fluid and the volume of the object.
- If the object is denser than the fluid, it will sink. If it is less dense, it will rise.
- In the case of the helium-filled balloon, the helium gas is less dense than the surrounding air.
- This means that the balloon weighs less than the air it displaces by its volume.
- The buoyant force acting on the balloon is greater than its weight, causing it to rise.

3. Archimedes' Principle:

- Archimedes' principle states that the buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
- In the case of the helium-filled balloon, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the air displaced by the balloon.
- Since the balloon weighs less than the displaced air, the buoyant force is greater than its weight, causing it to rise.

Conclusion:

In summary, a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air because the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon weighs less than the air it displaces by its volume, causing a greater buoyant force to act on the balloon and propel it upward.
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Community Answer
Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon ...
Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average is molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.
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Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air?a) Helium is a mono-atomic gas, whereas nearly all the molecules that make up air, such as nitrogen and oxygen, are diatomic.b) The average speed of helium atoms is higher than the average speeds of air molecules, and the higher speed of collisions with the balloon walls propels the balloon upward.c) Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average is molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.d) Because helium has a lower molar mass than the average air molecules, the helium atoms are in fastermotion. This means that the temperature. Hot gases tend to rise.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air?a) Helium is a mono-atomic gas, whereas nearly all the molecules that make up air, such as nitrogen and oxygen, are diatomic.b) The average speed of helium atoms is higher than the average speeds of air molecules, and the higher speed of collisions with the balloon walls propels the balloon upward.c) Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average is molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.d) Because helium has a lower molar mass than the average air molecules, the helium atoms are in fastermotion. This means that the temperature. Hot gases tend to rise.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air?a) Helium is a mono-atomic gas, whereas nearly all the molecules that make up air, such as nitrogen and oxygen, are diatomic.b) The average speed of helium atoms is higher than the average speeds of air molecules, and the higher speed of collisions with the balloon walls propels the balloon upward.c) Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average is molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.d) Because helium has a lower molar mass than the average air molecules, the helium atoms are in fastermotion. This means that the temperature. Hot gases tend to rise.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following statements best explains why a closed balloon filled with helium gas rises in air?a) Helium is a mono-atomic gas, whereas nearly all the molecules that make up air, such as nitrogen and oxygen, are diatomic.b) The average speed of helium atoms is higher than the average speeds of air molecules, and the higher speed of collisions with the balloon walls propels the balloon upward.c) Because the helium atoms are of lower mass than the average is molecules, the helium gas is less dense than air. The balloon thus weighs less than the air displaces by its volume.d) Because helium has a lower molar mass than the average air molecules, the helium atoms are in fastermotion. This means that the temperature. Hot gases tend to rise.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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