Ceiling Fans: Backward, Right?

[begreen]

Actually, warm air doesn't (actively) rise, but rather, COMPARATIVELY warm air is DISPLACED (within confined or semi-confined spaces) vertically by HEAVIER (denser) cool air which is descending by virtue of gravity. Cool air is more BUOYANT than is warm air.

Ever ridden in a cold-air balloon?

Hot air balloons are based on a very basic scientific principle: warmer air rises in cooler air. Essentially, hot air is lighter than cool air, because it has less mass per unit of volume. A cubic foot of air weighs roughly 28 grams (about an ounce). If you heat that air by 100 degrees F, it weighs about 7 grams less.

 

[begreen]

I think we're both right and I love the reference to R & B, they're my favorites. I forgot about Upsadasium.

Cold air is more dense. Add gravity and one gets more weight. Cold air is heavier than warm air. Or for a more interesting physics discussion, I like this explanation:
According to statistical mechanics, where air has greater kinetic energy it has a greater probability to occupy a higher gravitational potential than less energenic air. That is, the system tends toward maximal entropy.
http://www.physicsforums.com/archive/index.php/t-32331.html

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Lot's of differing opinions to be sure.

 

[kevinlp]

I'll try it the otherway Marty and see if that is better. It makes sense.

 

[Martin Strand III]

Kevin:

I try not to do things against Mother Nature.

What makes sense to you is nonsense to me.

Aye,
Marty