Subj:
Balloon In A Car (S481c)
From: MathForm.org on 4/8/2006
Source: http://mathforum.org/rec_puzzles_archive/physics
A helium-filled balloon is tied
to the floor of a car that makes a sharp right turn. Does the balloon
tilt while the turn is made? If so, which way? The windows are closed
so there is no connection with the outside air.
Solution
Because of buoyancy, the helium
balloon on the string will want to move in the direction opposite the effective
gravitational field existing in the car. Thus, when the car turns
the corner, the balloon will deflect towards the inside of the turn. |
Balloon Drawing from
Andrew
Hill International
on 4/8/2006
|