basement makes the upstairs cold; close that door,!" she would rant. "It won't do any such thing," he would reply and go on his way. He was right, but why?
2006-12-12 08:05:50 · 5 answers · asked by Kathy B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Air, like all gases and most solids and liquids, expands when it gets warmer and contracts when it gets colder. Hot air occupies a greater volume than cold air, which means it is less dense. Less dense materials will rise above more dense ones; this is why oil floats on water. Since the warm air is less dense, it will remain in the house, and the cold air in the basement will also stay there.
2006-12-12 08:09:15 · answer #1 · answered by computerguy103 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Warm air, which is less dense, rises; cold air sinks. If the basement is colder than the rest of the house, the cold air will stay there. If it is warmer (because the furnace is there?) then the upstairs will actually get warmer.
2006-12-12 08:11:55 · answer #2 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is correct that hot air rises, so this should not make the upstairs cold.
On the other hand -- having been there, done that -- the open area DOES create a breeze in the house, which makes it SEEM cold -- lol!!
2006-12-12 08:43:07 · answer #3 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hot air rises.
2006-12-12 08:10:48 · answer #4 · answered by Johnny A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because heat rises
2006-12-12 09:47:47 · answer #5 · answered by vandykeprincess06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋