This photograph-style diagram is of a weather balloon shortly after it is released. It rises through air to a much greater height. The balloon contains a fi...
Question 1 Report
This photograph-style diagram is of a weather balloon shortly after it is released. It rises through air to a much greater height. The balloon contains a fixed mass of gas.
(a) State what happens to the air pressure outside the balloon as its height increases. [1]
(b) Describe what happens to the volume of the balloon as it rises. [1]
(c) Explain why this change in volume happens. [3]
(d) State one reason why the balloon may eventually burst. [2]
Answer Details
(a) As height increases, the air pressure outside the balloon decreases [1].
(b) The balloon's volume increases, so it expands [1].
(c) Outside air pressure decreases with height [1]. The gas particles inside the balloon continue colliding with its wall [1], so the gas expands until the internal and external pressures balance, or until the balloon material limits further expansion [1].
(d) The balloon may expand beyond its elastic limit [1], causing its material to tear or rupture [1].
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