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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2009  > February  >
In the Laboratory
JCE Classroom Activity
[#100] How Heavy Is a Balloon? Using the Ideal Gas Law
Bettie Obi Johnson and Henry Van Milligan
University of South Carolina Lancaster, Lancaster, SC 29720

earthday

Cover
February 2009
Vol. 86 No. 2
p. 224A

Abstract
This activity makes use of the Ideal Gas Law to determine the mass of a helium-filled Mylar balloon, if it were empty. The concept of buoyancy is explored as weights are attached to the balloon to bring it to neutral buoyancy, at which point the mass of the air displaced by the balloon is equal to the mass of the empty balloon, the helium inside, and the attached weights. Out of this relationship, the mass of the empty balloon is calculated and compared to its actual empty mass.
Supplement
Student laboratory worksheet
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Contents
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Citation
Johnson, Bettie Obi; Van Milligan, Henry. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 224A.
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Keywords
Gases; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Properties
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
1/5/2009
1/14/2009
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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