About this Simulation

This simulation models the physics of hot air balloon flight by exploring Archimedes' principle and buoyancy. Learners adjust air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and altitude to observe how density differences generate lift, visualising the forces and variables that enable aerostatic flight in real-time.

Learning objectives: Understand how buoyancy and pressure differences enable balloon ascent | Analyse the relationship between air density, temperature, and aerostatic lift | Apply Archimedes' principle to predict and model balloon behaviour at different altitudes