Question

Meteorologists use weather balloons to carry weather instruments high into the atmosphere. When it is first released at Earth’s surface, a weather balloon typically appears underinflated. What happens to the balloon’s volume and pressure as it rises into the atmosphere? Check all that apply.

The pressure in the balloon decreases.

The pressure in the balloon increases.

The volume of the balloon increases.

The volume of the balloon decreases.

Answer 1

Select:
- The pressure in the balloon decreases. (✓)
- The volume of the balloon increases. (✓)

Reason: as the balloon rises ambient pressure falls, and the gas inside (with a thin elastic membrane) stays nearly at the same pressure as the outside. With lower pressure and essentially the same amount of gas, the gas expands (ideal‑gas/Boyle behavior), so the balloon's volume increases (until the material fails and it bursts).