How Hot Air Balloons Rise
How do hot air balloons rise?
When the air under the envelope is heated, the balloon lifts. Which of the following statements is true?
A) hot air balloons use radiation to rise
B) hot air balloons use conduction to rise
C) hot air balloons use convection to rise
D) hot air balloons use air resistance to rise
Answer:
The hot air balloon uses convection to rise, C) hot air balloons use convection to rise. When the air under the envelope is heated, it travels upward and it is less dense compared to the air in the surrounding.
This difference in density values of air inside and outside creates a force of buoyancy which makes the balloon get lifted. Since the air is being heated and transporting the thermal energy with it, this process is called convection.
Hence, we can conclude that hot air balloons use convection to rise. This method allows hot air balloons to lift off and travel through the sky in a mesmerizing and unique way.