answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Let's ignore the mass of the balloon itself and the string/rope/harness/whatever that connects it to the person. We're also going to ignore the compression of the balloon; we can assume it's mylar or something and the helium inside is at normal atmospheric pressure (if the balloon is compressing the helium, it will need to be bigger, since the density of the helium goes up as the pressure increases).

At around room temperature and ordinary pressures, helium has a density of about 0.164 kilograms per cubic meter. Under the same conditions, air has a density of a little under 1.2 kilograms per cubic meter. For a ballpark estimate, therefore, we can say that a balloon with a volume of 1 cubic meter will lift roughly 1 kilogram, which makes the calculation easy: to lift a 175 lb (80 kg) person, you need an 80 cubic meter balloon, which if spherical would have a radius of 2.67 meters or a little over 8 feet 9 inches.


A helium balloon 18 feet across should be sufficient to lift 175 pounds. Now you know why blimps are HUGE.


User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: HOW BIG A HELIUM BALLOON WOULDIT TAKE TO LIFT A 175 LBS PERSON?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Physics

How do you make a balloon lift without helium?

There are actually a number of ways to make a balloon lift, without helium. Hydrogen is even less dense than helium (but has the disadvantage of also being highly flammable). And since hot air is less dense than cooler air, you can lift a balloon just by heating air. Since hot air is less expensive than either helium or hydrogen, that is a popular technique.


Which gas inflates a balloon the longest carbon dioxide or helium and why?

Carbon dioxide will keep a balloon inflated longer than helium will, because its molecules are much larger and therefore less able to escape through the material of which the balloon is made.On the other hand, helium is much lighter so will give a balloon greater lift while it lasts.


What gases lift a balloon into the air?

Anything less dense than air (hydrogen, helium, hot air).


What is the difference between a helium balloon and a hot air balloon?

A helium balloon does not need energy to rise in the air. A hot air balloon needs fuel to rise in air. That is it needs heat energy to rise in air.i love Pizza squares i hope they put helium in then one dayHelium relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. Hot air balloons rely on the fact that hot air has less volume than cold air and is lighter than the air around it. hot air balloons use hot air to cause the balloon to lift as helium balloons use a special gas to cause lift


Can you fill helium balloons with normal air?

No it doesn't have helium. A hot air balloon derives it's lift from heated air, which is less dense and therefore lighter than normal air. A helium balloon derives it's lift from helium, a gas which at normal temperatures is less dense than normal air. So both fly 'lighter than air' but for different reasons.

Related questions

How much can a helium balloon lift?

depends how big the helium balloon is and how many


How do you make a balloon lift without helium?

There are actually a number of ways to make a balloon lift, without helium. Hydrogen is even less dense than helium (but has the disadvantage of also being highly flammable). And since hot air is less dense than cooler air, you can lift a balloon just by heating air. Since hot air is less expensive than either helium or hydrogen, that is a popular technique.


How many helium balloons can lift up a brick?

depends on how large the balloon is! ;D


Can helium lift 72 pounds into the air?

Yes, if you have enough helium in a balloon that is large enough and strong enough to stand the strains involved.


How do you make a balloon without a balloon?

There are actually a number of ways to make a balloon lift, without helium. Hydrogen is even less dense than helium (but has the disadvantage of also being highly flammable). And since hot air is less dense than cooler air, you can lift a balloon just by heating air. Since hot air is less expensive than either helium or hydrogen, that is a popular technique.


Why does an air balloon float?

If you mean hot air balloon then it floats because hot air rises because it is less dense and with enough hot air caught in the balloon it can lift create enough lift to take off into the air. If you mean a helium balloon then it rises because helium in the balloon is less dense then the air around it. Since less dense things rise to the top the balloon will float.


Which gas inflates a balloon the longest carbon dioxide or helium and why?

Carbon dioxide will keep a balloon inflated longer than helium will, because its molecules are much larger and therefore less able to escape through the material of which the balloon is made.On the other hand, helium is much lighter so will give a balloon greater lift while it lasts.


What gases lift a balloon into the air?

Anything less dense than air (hydrogen, helium, hot air).


What is the difference between a helium balloon and a hot-air balloon?

A helium balloon does not need energy to rise in the air. A hot air balloon needs fuel to rise in air. That is it needs heat energy to rise in air.i love Pizza squares i hope they put helium in then one dayHelium relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. Hot air balloons rely on the fact that hot air has less volume than cold air and is lighter than the air around it. hot air balloons use hot air to cause the balloon to lift as helium balloons use a special gas to cause lift


What is the difference between a helium balloon and a hot air balloon?

A helium balloon does not need energy to rise in the air. A hot air balloon needs fuel to rise in air. That is it needs heat energy to rise in air.i love Pizza squares i hope they put helium in then one dayHelium relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. Hot air balloons rely on the fact that hot air has less volume than cold air and is lighter than the air around it. hot air balloons use hot air to cause the balloon to lift as helium balloons use a special gas to cause lift


How do air balloons lift off from the ground?

Balloons filled with Helium rise because Helium is less dense than normal air. Hot air balloons lift off the ground because heat rises, and when the balloon is full of air of a higher temperature than its surroundings, the balloon will rise.


What can lift a balloon Other than helium?

Any gas which is less dense than air. Even hot air will suffice.