Hot Air Balloons: The Magic of Physics

How do hot air balloons float in the air?

When the burner in a hot air balloon is turned on, the temperature of the air in the balloon __________, causing its volume to __________ and the balloon __________.

Answer:

When the burner in a hot air balloon is turned on, the temperature of the air in the balloon increases, causing its volume to expand and the balloon to rise.

Hot air balloons are fascinating creations that rely on the principles of physics to stay afloat. The key to their operation lies in the concept of buoyancy, which is the ability of an object to float in a fluid. In the case of hot air balloons, the fluid is the air surrounding the balloon.

When the burner in a hot air balloon is ignited, it heats the air inside the balloon. As the air heats up, it becomes less dense than the surrounding cooler air. This difference in density creates a buoyant force that lifts the balloon off the ground. The hot air inside the balloon is lighter than the cold air outside, causing the balloon to float upwards.

The expansion of the heated air inside the balloon also increases its volume, further contributing to the lift. As the volume of air inside the balloon increases, it displaces a greater amount of air outside the balloon, creating even more buoyant force. This upward force surpasses the weight of the balloon and its passengers, allowing the hot air balloon to rise and float in the sky.

So, the next time you see a hot air balloon drifting gracefully in the sky, remember that it's not just magic – it's the beauty of physics at work!