Question

Explain reasons for the following :

(a) A helium balloon bursts when it rises to high altitudes? [2.5 marks]

(b) We feel nauseated when we go deep underwater? [2.5 marks]

Answer 1

(a) Pressure decreases as we go up in the atmosphere. When a helium balloon rises to higher altitudes, the pressure inside the balloon becomes more than the pressure outside. As a result, the balloon first expands and finally bursts. (2.5 marks)

(b) We know that pressure in liquids increases with depth from the surface of the liquid.
As we go deep underwater, the external pressure on the body increases. As there is higher pressure outside and less pressure inside the body, there is a crushing force and we feel nauseated. (2.5 marks)