answersLogoWhite

0

Helium is a very light compound. Air consists out of 21 % oxygen gas, 78% nitrogen gas and 1% other gases (such as argon and other noble gases) in general. As we know, wood floats on water because it is lighter per volume. For helium, the same rule counts. Helium is lighter than oxygen and nitrogen.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Does helium cancel the effect of static on a balloon?

Helium is often used to fill balloons because it is lighter than air, causing the balloon to float. While helium can reduce the effects of static electricity to some extent, it does not completely eliminate them. Consider using an antistatic spray or coating on the balloon to further reduce static buildup.


Why do balloons decrease in size after a while?

Why does a balloon go down after a few days?A balloon goes down after a few days because the helium can pass through the skin of a balloon which then reduces the size of the balloon and the balloon then slowly reaches the floor after loosing all its helium.If you need any more help visit www.wikipidia.comThey loose air somehow.


Why is helium used to fill balloons instead of oxygen or hydrogen?

Helium will not burn. Hydrogen burns in air to form H2O (water) Thus in circumstances where a lite gas is required (e.g. in a balloon) it is safer to use Helium. see http://www.unmuseum.org/hindenburg.htm


A helium balloon rises in the air because it is less dense than oxygen?

A helium balloon rises in the air because helium is lighter than the surrounding air, which is mostly made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Due to the difference in density, the helium-filled balloon experiences an upward buoyant force greater than its weight, causing it to float upward.


Why does a helium filled balloon float up when it is released?

The gas helium is less dense than the nitrogen-oxygen mix of atmospheric air. So a balloon filled to the same pressure (or even higher) will have a lower density than the air around it, which will displace it (flow under it), forcing it upward. The balloon will rise until the combined weight of the helium and the balloon are the same average weight (density) as the surrounding air. Long before it reaches that altitude, a normal balloon will begin to expand and will usually pop (at an altitude of a few hundred to a few thousand feet).Helium molecules are lighter than most air molecules in the atmosphere (mostly nitrogen and oxygen) therefore they are prone to rise while heavier molecules move downward.

Related Questions

Why does a helium balloon rise in air while ordinary balloon filled with air does not?

A helium balloon rises into the air because the density of the helium is lesser than the density of the air, therefore, the balloon rises, trying to reach above the air. Helium is lighter than air, or to be more precise, less dense. Helium gas weighs less than our atmospheric air so it floats. Same goes for hydrogen and a few other pure gases


Why does a helium balloon lower after a while?

That would happen after it loses a certain amount of helium.


What happens when a helium-filled balloon is released and rises into the atmosphere?

As the helium-filled balloon rises into the atmosphere, the surrounding air pressure decreases while the pressure inside the balloon remains the same. This causes the helium inside the balloon to expand, making the balloon increase in size. Eventually, the balloon will reach a point where the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the balloon will be equal, and it will float at that altitude.


Can a balloon fly with nitrogen?

Yes, a balloon can fly with nitrogen, but it won't rise as high as one filled with helium. Nitrogen is less buoyant than helium because it is closer in density to air. While a nitrogen-filled balloon may float briefly, it will generally not achieve significant lift like a helium-filled balloon would.


When a helium balloon rises in the air it expands If the volume of the balloon doubles what happens to the density of the helium inside it?

If the volume of the balloon doubles while the mass of helium remains the same, the density of helium inside the balloon would decrease by half. Density is calculated as mass divided by volume, so if volume doubles and mass stays the same, the density will decrease.


How is the helium in the tank different from the helium in the balloon?

Helium balloons are usually mylar, a metal-coated plastic film while blow-up balloons are usually latex. Helium balloons are usually filled with helium of a decent purity, while blow-up balloons basically have the same gas mixture as the atmosphere around us. A little less oxygen and a little higher humidity if inflated by humans, exactly the same if inflated by a pump. Helium balloons will fly or float in the air, while blow-up balloons won't.


Will the helium football be light then a aired football?

yes. think about balloons: a ballon with helium will float while a balloon with good ol' air will sink


What are the differences between a helium balloon and a hydrogen balloon in terms of their properties and uses?

Helium balloons are safer than hydrogen balloons because helium is non-flammable, while hydrogen is highly flammable. Helium balloons are commonly used for celebrations and decorations, while hydrogen balloons are less common due to safety concerns. Helium is also lighter than air, making helium balloons float, while hydrogen is even lighter but poses a greater risk of combustion.


Which gas inflates a balloon the longest carbon dioxide or helium and why?

Carbon dioxide will keep a balloon inflated longer than helium will, because its molecules are much larger and therefore less able to escape through the material of which the balloon is made.On the other hand, helium is much lighter so will give a balloon greater lift while it lasts.


Does helium cancel the effect of static on a balloon?

Helium is often used to fill balloons because it is lighter than air, causing the balloon to float. While helium can reduce the effects of static electricity to some extent, it does not completely eliminate them. Consider using an antistatic spray or coating on the balloon to further reduce static buildup.


Why a helium weather balloon expands as it rises in the air. assume that the temperature remain constant.?

When the helium balloon starts gaining height, the pressure decreases and as the gas molecules are very freely movable (higher than the normal). They move apart from each other in the mean while they make the balloon to expand. The decrease in atmospheric pressure relative to pressure inside the balloon causes it to expand.


Why do balloons decrease in size after a while?

Why does a balloon go down after a few days?A balloon goes down after a few days because the helium can pass through the skin of a balloon which then reduces the size of the balloon and the balloon then slowly reaches the floor after loosing all its helium.If you need any more help visit www.wikipidia.comThey loose air somehow.