That is why a large hot air balloon lifts a tiny basket yet a Helium blimps have an enclosed cockpit and engine attached.
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Thursday, 9 April 2026
Hot air and Helium
Hot air has a lower density than regular air and that is why hot air balloons float. Hot air would need a temperature of 1800°c to have the same density as Helium at room temperature. It would likely melt the envelope containing it at that temperature.
So hot air is lighter than the surrounding air but Helium at room temperature is much lighter than hot air so it can lift more weight.
