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While on vacation, Carine rides in a hot-air balloon. To make the balloon rise, the pilot turns on a flame to warm the air inside the balloon. How does the air change?

User Seyyed
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The air inside a hot-air balloon rises when heated because it becomes less dense and the internal pressure increases, creating a buoyant force that lifts the balloon.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the pilot turns on the flame to warm the air inside the hot-air balloon, the air undergoes both a physical and chemical change. The heat from the flame causes the molecules of air to move faster, which according to Charles's law, increases their volume and decreases their density. This lower density compared to the cooler, denser air outside the balloon creates a buoyant force, which makes the balloon rise. Additionally, the heating of air molecules raises the pressure inside the balloon, further aiding in its expansion and rising.

User Marat Faskhiev
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The air inside becomes warmer, and that makes it LESS DENSE.

Less-dense air FLOATS in denser air. Since it's inside the balloon, it picks the balloon up when it floats.

User Sambulo Senda
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