The article states:

Question

They vaulted from chairs, leapt onto tables, and swung from drapery to avoid falling into the faux lava. Unlike real lava, however, this stuff was slimy but harmless. Winners received $10,000 and a groovy lava lamp trophy.

Which phrase from the passage helps you understand the meaning of the word faux?

unlike real lava
vaulted from chairs
to avoid falling
this stuff was slimy

Answer 1

The phrase "unlike real lava" helps to understand the meaning of the word "faux."