Final answer:
The pressure of the gas in the hot-air balloon shown at the opening of this chapter is less than that of the atmosphere outside the balloon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pressure of the gas in the hot-air balloon shown at the opening of this chapter is less than that of the atmosphere outside the balloon.
This is because the gas inside the balloon is heated, causing its molecules to move faster and exert more pressure.
As a result, the pressure inside the balloon is lower than the surrounding atmosphere, causing the balloon to rise.