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Hot air balloons are based on a very basic scientific principle: warmer air rises in cooler air. Essentially, hot air is lighter than cool air, because it has less mass per unit of volume. A cubic foot of air weighs roughly 28 grams (about an ounce). If you heat that air by 100 degrees F, it weighs about 7 grams less. Therefore, each cubic foot of air contained in a hot air balloon can lift about 7 grams. That's not much, and this is why hot air balloons are so huge -- to lift 1,000 pounds, you need about 65,000 cubic feet of hot air.

If you're interested in getting a birds-eye-view of the world, then you should check out the paragliding article, video and images at Discovery's Fearless Plan­et. In the next section, we'll look at the different components of hot air balloons to find out how they heat the air.

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Related Questions

Why does a hot balloon fly?

A hot air balloon flies because it is filled with hot air. Hot air rises and causes the balloon to lift from the ground.


Does a hot air balloon need CO2 to lift?

No, a hot air balloon does not need CO2 to lift. Hot air balloons work on the principle that hot air is less dense than cooler air, causing it to rise. When the air inside the balloon is heated, it becomes lighter than the surrounding air, allowing the balloon to lift off the ground.


Why does a hot air balloon fly?

A hot air balloon flies because hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the cooler air outside. This temperature difference creates lift, allowing the balloon to rise and float in the air. By controlling the temperature of the air inside the balloon, the pilot can control the balloon's ascent and descent.


Why was the hot air balloon made?

The hot air balloon was made for people to travel in the air.


Why is the size of balloon in the hot air balloon important?

The size of the balloon in a hot air balloon is crucial because it determines the amount of hot air it can hold, which in turn affects its ability to lift the basket and passengers. A larger balloon can hold more hot air and generate more lift, while a smaller balloon will have less lift capacity. Finding the right balance in size is essential for the balloon to safely and effectively carry its load.


What does the hot air balloon have in the middle?

The hot air balloon has a basket in the middle, which holds passengers and the pilot. The basket is attached to the envelope of the balloon, where hot air is used to generate lift and make the balloon float.


Can a hot air balloon lift a car?

yes


How much hot air does it take to raise a hot air balloon?

It typically takes around 65,000 cubic feet of heated air to lift a hot air balloon, depending on its size and weight. The burner heats up the air inside the balloon, causing it to become less dense than the air outside the balloon, which creates lift.


What are the forces acting in a hot air balloon ride?

In a hot air balloon ride, the main forces acting on the balloon are lift, gravity, and drag. The hot air inside the balloon is lighter than the cooler air outside, creating lift. Gravity pulls the balloon downwards, and drag opposes the balloon's forward movement through the air. Flight control is achieved by controlling the amount of hot air in the balloon.


Why can't a hot air balloon float in outer space?

A hot air balloon requires air to generate lift. In outer space, there is no air or atmosphere, so there is nothing for the hot air balloon to displace to generate lift, causing it to be unable to float.


Why is a hot air balloon able to lift itself?

A hot air balloon is able to lift itself because the air inside the balloon is heated, making it less dense than the surrounding cool air. This causes the balloon to become buoyant and rise. By controlling the temperature of the air inside the balloon, the pilot can control the altitude of the balloon.


Is a hot air balloon a balanced or unbalanced force?

A hot air balloon is balanced because the upward lift force from the hot air inside the balloon is equal and opposite to the downward force of gravity on the balloon and its contents. This balance allows the hot air balloon to float in the air.