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Why does a hot air balloon float, while a regular balloon filled with unheated air falls?

7 views 3 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
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Answer

A hot air balloon floats because the air inside the balloon is heated, making it less dense than the cooler air outside. This difference in density creates an upward buoyant force that lifts the balloon. A regular balloon with unheated air does not have this density difference.

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