How Does a Hot Air Balloon Work?

A hot air balloon works by utilizing the physical law that warm air is lighter than cold air. By gathering a large amount of relatively warm air, it can begin to lift a significant weight. A cubic meter of air heated by 100 degrees can lift about 300 grams. By heating approximately 2000 m3 of air to 100 degrees, you can create a lift of about 600 kg, which is the weight of a small balloon with gas, basket, and passengers. By operating the burner during the flight, the balloon pilot can also raise and lower the temperature in the balloon envelope, causing the balloon to ascend and descend. The temperature in the balloon envelope is naturally highest at the top, where it typically ranges between 80-110 degrees during flight. The balloon has the flight time that the carried gas amount allows and uses about 60-80 liters of gas per hour. When the balloon pilot wishes to land the balloon, they can slowly decrease the altitude and finally let the basket land on a suitable fallow or grass field.