Why do balloons pop using the ideal gas law?

Answer 1

The ideal gas law states that pV=nRT. This means that p (pressure)and V (Volume) are proportional to n (number of moles) and T (temperature). The R stands for the gas constant, which is equal to 8.31 Joules per Kelvin per mole.

This means that as temperature increases, and the pressure on the ouside remains the same, the balloon expands and therefore the air inside the balloon becomes less dense than the air outside of it, therefore rising up.

This happens because when gases are heated, the molecules inside move faster and further apart, thus, their density gets lower and the particles get excited and causes the balloon to have a low enough density in comparison to the outside air to rise according to Archimedes Principle.

Answer 2

The ideal gas law states that the volume of gas varies directly with the number of gas molecules or density of a gas at the absolute temperature. (and inversely with pressure) Heat causes gas expand or become less dense, the lessening density also means less pressure. In a mixture dense items will sink, and less dense items will rise. Thus the balloon rises since the gas in the balloon is less dense due to heating, then the air around it.

Answer 3

The principle of the Hot Air Balloon is based on the upward movement of hot air. As we know hot air rises up.

The burner at the base of the balloon constantly provides hot air inside the balloon. This hot air mass, enclosed in the membrane of the balloon, pushes it up. With the burner constantly providing hot air, the balloon keeps on rising.

Answer 4

You need to get the burners started, so you can heat up the cold air in the balloon, so you you use propane gas to fuel the burners.