Nia is standing on the edge of a cliff facing the ocean, holding a helium balloon on a string. If Nia releases the balloon, what happens to the balloon, and what does she see? Provide a very brief response.
When Nia releases the helium balloon, it will rise into the air because helium is lighter than the surrounding air. Given helium's lower density, it provides the balloon with buoyancy, allowing it to float upwards. The balloon will appear to get smaller to Nia's eyes as it ascends and moves away from her because the distance between Nia and the balloon is increasing, which makes the balloon look smaller due to perspective. If there is a wind blowing inland, she will see the balloon drift inland as it rises. If the wind is blowing out to sea, she will see the balloon drift out over the ocean. If there's no wind, the balloon will rise more or less straight up from her viewpoint.