As we stand and watch the hot air balloon rise in the sky, we can imagine what is happening at the microscopic level to the gas molecules inside the balloon. As the balloon rises, the gas molecules are
Responses
A moving faster and spreading apart.moving faster and spreading apart.
B slowing down and moving closer together.slowing down and moving closer together.
C gradually escaping from the confines of the balloon.gradually escaping from the confines of the balloon.
D all collecting at the top of the balloon, pushing upward.
A. moving faster and spreading apart.
To determine what is happening to the gas molecules inside the hot air balloon as it rises, we can review some basic principles of gas behavior.
When a gas is heated, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster. This increased movement results in the gas molecules spreading apart, which leads to an increase in volume. Conversely, when a gas is cooled, its molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, causing them to move closer together, resulting in a decrease in volume.
In the context of a hot air balloon rising, the burner is used to heat the air inside the balloon. This heating process increases the kinetic energy of the gas molecules, causing them to move faster and spread apart. As a result, the gas inside the balloon expands, filling a larger volume.
Therefore, the correct answer is A: moving faster and spreading apart.