In hot-air ballooning, a large balloon is filled with air heated by a gas burner at the bottom. Why must the air be heated? How does the balloonist control ascent and descent?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The balloon is filled with air heated because warm air is less dense as compared to cold air.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the buoyant force

In this problem, the buoyant force will be applied in order to lift a balloon filled with hot air.

02

Determining the use of hot air in the balloon

Inside the balloon, hot air is used because its density is lower than the cold air so that the weight of the volume of air released by the balloon is greater than its own weight. Also, the balloon lifts due to the effect of buoyant force.

The ascent and descent can easily be controlled by the balloonist by heating up and cooling down the air, respectively, which helps to control the buoyant force.

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