The Behavior of Helium Gas in Arctic Conditions

What happens to the properties of helium gas in a balloon as it is moved from a warm shed to the cold arctic air?

Option 1: Calculate the initial pressure of the helium gas inside the shed.

Option 2: Determine the final volume of the helium gas when the balloon is outside in the cold arctic air.

Option 3: Calculate the final pressure of the helium gas when the balloon is outside in the arctic cold.

Option 4: Estimate the density of the helium gas inside the balloon while it's outside in the cold arctic air.

Option 5: Calculate the change in the number of moles of helium gas as the balloon moves from the warm shed to the cold arctic air.

Option 6: Calculate the final temperature of the helium gas when the balloon is outside.

Answer:

We are looking at the behavior of helium gas in a balloon under different temperatures. Properties like volume, pressure, and density will change between the warmer environment inside the shed and the colder arctic air outside. The number of moles of helium gas, however, will remain constant.

This question pertains to the behavior of gases under varying conditions - specifically, helium in a balloon exposed to different temperatures. The primary principles at play for this situation would be the gas laws, specifically Charles's Law, which states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature (in Kelvin), assuming constant pressure, and Boyle's Law, which states that a gas's pressure and volume are inversely proportional.

To answer the specific parts of your question:

  • Option 1: Without further information, such as the number of moles of helium gas or its ideal gas constant, we cannot compute the initial pressure of the helium inside the shed.
  • Option 2: To determine the final volume of the helium gas, we would need to know the final temperature in the arctic air. This volume can be found using Charles's Law.
  • Option 3: Similar to option 2, the final pressure of the helium gas would depend on its final volume and temperature, and these values would be related through Boyle's Law and Charles's Law.
  • Option 4: To estimate the density of the helium gas, we would need to know its final volume and mass.
  • Option 5: The number of moles of helium gas would not change as the balloon moves from the warm shed to the cold arctic air. The properties that will change would be volume, pressure, and temperature, but not the quantity of gas.
  • Option 6: Without specific temperature data about the arctic air, we cannot calculate the final temperature of the helium gas when outside.
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