General Question

Schenectandy's avatar

Why are weather balloons filled with Helium?

Asked by Schenectandy (1118points) March 16th, 2009
11 responses
“Great Question” (0points)

Helium is really expensive; you’re working outside and you aren’t carrying people on board – so why not use Hydrogen?

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Answers

eambos's avatar

Hydrogen atoms are much smaller than helium atoms, so they will permeate the latex much quicker. This will lead to the balloon coming down much sooner.

Harp's avatar

Both are apparently used. Helium has had the edge for safety reasons, but the cost is bringing hydrogen back into the game. Here’s an example of the use of hydrogen.

Schenectandy's avatar

@Harp : hooray!
@Eambos: Ah, but Hydrogen molecules are diatomic.

eambos's avatar

My chemistry skills have failed me. I knew that they were diatomic, I just thought that the atomic radius was still smaller than that of a single helium. Must refresh knowledge!

Schenectandy's avatar

@Eambos: That’s okay, heck, as @Harp demonstrated, I could’ve just googled the entire question.

mangeons's avatar

I had no idea that you even COULD use hydrogen. I was just gonna say “Um… so it can float?” Ha.

AstroChuck's avatar

Probably because hydrogen is so very flammable.

eambos's avatar

Oh, the humanity!

Hindenburg

Les's avatar

Oh, Schenectandy. Would you have us explode in Antarctica?

Les (10005points)“Great Answer” (1points)

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