Question

A teacher makes a paper lantern, out of lightweight paper, in the shape of a large balloon. The base of the lantern has a suspended wick in the centre. Two students volunteer to hold the lantern vertically, as the teacher lights the wick. Soon, the students felt the lantern is pushing upwards, and eventually it takes flight. Which attribute of matter is responsible for this?



(a) The light weight paper heated up and rose upwards.

(b) The air inside the lantern expanded and rose upwards

(c) Pressure exerted on the walls of the lantern made it fly.

(d) Pressure exerted by cold air outside the lantern made it fly.

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Answer 1

Option b) The air inside the lantern expanded and rose upwards.

• The candle located at the base of the lantern is responsible for the flight of the lantern.
• The air inside the lantern warms up.
• A small outlet is made for the air to escape.
• The heated air inside causes the lantern to take flight and maintain buoyancy in the atmosphere.