F2-12: HOT AIR BALLOON
- ID Code: F2-12
- Purpose: Show that hot air is less dense than cold air by operating a hot air balloon.
- Description:
A 15-ampere hot air gun is used to inflate a hot air balloon. As the air inside is heated, its density decreases with respect to the cooler outside atmosphere. Within less than a couple of minutes, the buoyant force becomes sufficient that the balloon will rise.
Invite students to predict what will happen as the air cools.
- Availability: Available
- References: http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/services/refs/refsf.htm#F2-12
- Loc codes: OS4