volume_mute
Determine if the following scientific statement is true or false
publish date: 2026/05/20 22:17:31.577521 UTC
volume_mute
"A helium-filled weather balloon will continue to rise indefinitely until it escapes Earth's atmosphere and enters the complete vacuum of outer space."
Correct Answer
false
Explanation
As a balloon ascends, the surrounding atmosphere becomes less dense. Since a vacuum has zero density, it cannot provide any buoyant force. The balloon will stop rising and hover (or burst due to expansion) at an altitude where the density of the surrounding air drops to match the average density of the balloon system.
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide