Atmosphere, Pressure, & Weather

In summary, the Earth's atmosphere is primarily made up of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and argon. Air pressure is a major factor in determining weather patterns, with high pressure systems bringing clear, dry weather and low pressure systems resulting in cloudy, wet weather. Weather forecasting involves collecting data from various sources and analyzing it to predict future weather conditions. The atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation through the ozone layer and regulates the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth. Additionally, air temperature and air pressure are directly related, with an increase in temperature causing a decrease in air pressure and vice versa.
  • #1
zeeberz
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A balloon can be filled with 5.0 L of "He" w/o bursting. The balloon is filled 0.5 L at a pressure of 1 atm. The balloon rises and the pressure gets lower. At what pressure will the balloon burst? I tried a few of the gas laws but I think my answers are incorrect. How do you solve this?
 
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  • #2
Solved by employing the correct gas law. Which one(s?) have you examined. Show us your rationale.
 
  • #3


To solve this problem, we need to use the combined gas law, which states that the product of pressure and volume is equal for a given amount of gas at a constant temperature. In this case, the temperature is assumed to be constant.

We can set up the following equation:

(P1V1)/T1 = (P2V2)/T2

Where P1 and V1 are the initial pressure and volume, and P2 and V2 are the final pressure and volume, respectively.

Plugging in the given values, we get:

(1 atm)(0.5 L)/T1 = (P2)(5.0 L)/T2

Since the temperature is constant, we can eliminate it from the equation, giving us:

0.5 atm = P2(5.0 L)

P2 = 0.5 atm/5.0 L = 0.1 atm

Therefore, the balloon will burst at a pressure of 0.1 atm. This makes sense because as the balloon rises, the atmospheric pressure decreases. Eventually, the pressure inside the balloon will exceed the external pressure, causing it to burst.

It's important to note that this calculation assumes ideal gas behavior, which may not be completely accurate in real-world situations. Other factors such as the elasticity of the balloon material and the presence of other gases inside the balloon can also affect the bursting point. However, the combined gas law is a good approximation for this scenario.
 

FAQ: Atmosphere, Pressure, & Weather

1. What is the Earth's atmosphere made of?

The Earth's atmosphere is primarily made up of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and argon.

2. How does air pressure affect the weather?

Air pressure is a major factor in determining weather patterns. High pressure systems tend to bring clear, dry weather, while low pressure systems often result in cloudy, wet weather. The movement and interaction of these pressure systems can also cause changes in temperature and wind direction.

3. How is weather forecasted?

Weather forecasting involves collecting data from various sources such as satellites, radar, and weather stations. This data is then analyzed using computer models and meteorological knowledge to predict future weather conditions. However, weather forecasting is not an exact science and is subject to uncertainties.

4. How does the atmosphere protect us from harmful radiation?

The Earth's atmosphere contains a layer called the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The ozone layer absorbs much of this radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. Additionally, the atmosphere also helps to regulate the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth, keeping temperatures within a habitable range.

5. How does air temperature affect air pressure?

Air temperature and air pressure are directly related. As air temperature increases, the molecules in the air move faster and spread out, resulting in a decrease in air pressure. Conversely, as air temperature decreases, the molecules move slower and closer together, causing an increase in air pressure. This relationship is important in understanding weather patterns and forecasting.

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