How do hot air balloons work?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the working principle of hot air balloons. This involves understanding how heating the air inside the balloon affects its density and buoyancy, allowing it to rise and float in the atmosphere.
Answer
Hot air balloons float because hot air rises. The burner heats the air inside the balloon, making it less dense than the surrounding air, causing it to rise.
Hot air balloons operate on a simple principle: hot air rises. A burner heats the air inside the balloon, making it less dense than the cooler air outside. This difference in density creates lift, causing the balloon to float upwards. To descend, the air inside the balloon is allowed to cool.
Answer for screen readers
Hot air balloons operate on a simple principle: hot air rises. A burner heats the air inside the balloon, making it less dense than the cooler air outside. This difference in density creates lift, causing the balloon to float upwards. To descend, the air inside the balloon is allowed to cool.
More Information
The Montgolfier brothers made the first public demonstration of a hot air balloon in Annonay, France, in 1783.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that hot air balloons have an engine to control their movement. In reality, they rely on wind currents for horizontal movement.
Sources
- How Do Hot Air Balloons Work? - Seattle Ballooning - seattleballooning.com
- [PDF] How a Hot Air Balloon Works and Its Major Parts - cabq.gov
- How Hot Air Balloons Work - Science | HowStuffWorks - science.howstuffworks.com
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