How many helium balloons would be required to lift up a person weighing 100 lb (444.8 N)?
To calculate the number of helium balloons needed to lift a person weighing 100 lb (444.8 N), we first need to determine the lifting force provided by each helium balloon.
A typical latex helium balloon can lift approximately 14 g (0.014 kg) of weight. The lifting force can be calculated using the equation:
Lifting force = Mass of helium in balloon * Acceleration due to gravity
Lifting force = 0.014 kg * 9.81 m/s^2
Lifting force = 0.13734 N
Now, we can determine the number of balloons needed to lift a person weighing 444.8 N:
Number of balloons = Weight of person / Lifting force per balloon
Number of balloons = 444.8 N / 0.13734 N
Number of balloons = 3241 balloons
Therefore, approximately 3241 helium balloons would be required to lift a person weighing 100 lb (444.8 N).