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Altitude is controlled by the propane burner and the parachute valve. The parachute valve is an opening at the top of the balloon envelope. When closed, it traps hot air from the burner inside the balloon, making the hot air balloon rise. When opened, it allows hot air to escape, and the hot air balloon descends.

The reason a hot air ballon rises is because the density of the balloon is less than the density of the surrounding air. Its the same thing as "why does a boat float". In the case of the balloon, the operator modulates the flame on and off to maintain the desired altitude - increase the flame, and the balloon goes up - decrease or shut off the flame, and the balloon goes down. A better metaphor to a boat is a submarine - add ballast and the submarine goes down - blow ballast and the submarine goes up.

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13y ago
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6mo ago

A hot air balloon gains altitude by heating the air inside the envelope using a burner. As the air inside the envelope becomes hotter and less dense than the surrounding air, it creates lift, causing the balloon to rise. By controlling the temperature of the air inside the envelope, the pilot can adjust the altitude of the balloon.

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Q: How does a hot air balloon gain altitude?
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Related questions

What is the craft that uses heat to gain altitude?

A Hot Air balloon.


Why must hot air balloon pilots do occasional blasts on the burner?

Hot air balloon pilots do occasional blasts on the burner to maintain the desired altitude. By releasing short bursts of hot air, pilots can control the temperature inside the balloon and regulate its altitude to ensure a safe and stable flight.


What happens to the hot air balloon when it reaches an altitude of 10000 meters?

the air pressure outside of the balloon decreases.


Does air pressure affect a hot air balloon?

Yes, air pressure can affect a hot air balloon. A decrease in air pressure can cause the balloon to rise higher, while an increase in air pressure can cause it to descend. Pilots can adjust the altitude of a hot air balloon by manipulating the amount of hot air in the balloon.


Why do hot air balloons have sand bags?

Sand bags are used in hot air balloons to help control the altitude of the balloon. By adjusting the amount of sand in the bags, the pilot can control the descent of the balloon by releasing sand to increase altitude or dropping sand to decrease altitude.


How to Steering a hot air balloon?

Steering a hot air balloon involves adjusting altitude to catch different wind directions at varying altitudes. By ascending or descending, you can navigate the balloon to the desired direction based on wind patterns. Pilots also use the burner to control the temperature of the air inside the balloon to gain altitude or speed descent.


How does the volume in a hot air balloon change?

The volume of a hot air balloon increases as the air inside the balloon expands when it is heated. As the balloon ascends and the air temperature decreases, the volume of the air inside the balloon decreases as well. The pilot can control the altitude of the balloon by controlling the temperature of the air inside.


What causes a hot air balloon to stay afloat?

A hot air balloon stays afloat because hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the surrounding cooler air, creating lift. As the air inside the balloon is heated, it expands and becomes lighter, causing the balloon to rise. By controlling the amount of hot air in the balloon, the pilot can control the altitude.


Why does pulling the cord have this effect hot air balloon?

Pulling the cord on a hot air balloon opens a valve that releases hot air from the balloon, causing it to sink. By releasing hot air, the balloon becomes less buoyant and starts descending. This allows the pilot to control the balloon's altitude and descend to the desired landing spot.


Why do hot air balloons work?

Hot air balloons work by heating the air inside the balloon with a burner, which makes the air less dense and causes the balloon to rise. This is because the hot air inside the balloon is lighter than the cooler air outside, creating a buoyant force that lifts the balloon. By controlling the temperature of the air inside the balloon, the pilot can control the altitude of the balloon.


What helps a hot air balloon go higher?

A hot air balloon goes higher by increasing the temperature of the air inside the balloon. When the air inside the balloon is heated, it becomes less dense than the surrounding air, allowing the balloon to rise. Pilots can control the altitude by adjusting the heat to maintain the desired height.


What forces on hot air balloon?

A hot air balloon is lifted by the force of buoyancy, which is created when the hot air inside the balloon is lighter than the cooler air outside. The balloon is also affected by wind currents, which can push it in different directions. Additionally, the burners used to heat the air in the balloon generate thrust to control the altitude and direction of the balloon.