A balloon inflated with helium is able to float toward the ceiling because
A) the weight of the balloon is greater than the weight of the air displaced by the balloon.
B) the density of the gas inside the balloon is greater than the density of the atmosphere.
C) the pressure of the gas inside the balloon is less than the atmospheric pressure.
D) the pressure of the gas inside the balloon is greater than the atmospheric pressure.
E) the balloon and the gas it contains weigh less than the air displaced by the balloon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The balloon and the gas it contains weigh less than the air displaced by the balloon. This means that the combined weight of the balloon and the helium gas is less than the weight of the same volume of air that it displaces. As a result, the balloon and the gas rise towards the ceiling because of the upward force of the displaced air, known as buoyancy.

A Balloon Inflated with Helium Is Able to Float Toward