Why helium gas is used in balloons instead of hydrogen?

Helium gas is lighter than air, therefore, a helium balloon rises, it is known as a noble gas and is therefore not reactive. Hydrogen is also lighter than air and even lighter than helium. However, Hydrogen is not used in balloons because it is highly explosive and flammable.

What would happen if you touched liquid helium?

Liquid helium, the coldest known fluid, is the most important coolant in cryogenics. Moreover, skin contact with liquid helium may cause dry skin, contact dermatitis, and mild skin irritation with discomfort or rash. This liquid may also cause severe frostbite.

What can you fill balloons with instead of helium?

Because Helium gas is lighter than air, but it is not the only gas we can fill the balloon, we may use hydrogen gas as well. The density of hydrogen gas is 1/2th of the mass of helium gas so we can consider it to make a floating balloon. Air can also be used to fill the balloon.

Why is helium the best gas for balloons?

Helium is an inert gas, which means that it does not react with other substances. It has the lowest boiling point of any element at -269C and a low density which is why it is used to make items float.

Can helium permanently change your voice?

No, the helium only change the composition of air in your throat and cause the soundwaves from your vocal cords be transmitted differently, but it does not change the way your vocal cords works. As soon as you breath out the helium, your voice return to normal.

What happens to a helium balloon when it rises?

A filled helium balloon rises because of the simple fact that helium is lighter than air. What happens to the helium balloon as it rises? As altitude increases, the density of the atmosphere decreases. So as a latex helium balloon rises, the outside air pressure diminishes, while the pressure from inside of the balloon remains the same.

Why is hydrogen not used in balloons?

This is because helium is less dense. Because helium is lighter that air, a helium balloon rises, just as an air bubble rises in more dense water. Hydrogen is another gas lighter than air; it’s even lighter than helium. Hydrogen, however, is not used in balloons and this demonstration shows why.

What happens when you light a match with helium?

Helium is a special gas called a Noble Gas, which means it doesn’t burn. When a match is held near a helium-filled balloon, the balloon pops.

Can I bring helium filled balloons home for the winter?

Thanks! Helium-filled balloons will quickly begin to shrink and can no longer float when taken from the store into the bitter cold of a winter day. However, the balloons will quickly re-expand, float high and look as good as they did in the store when taken into the warm house.