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by katscratcedme on March 1st, 2004

katscratcedme

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Why do helium balloons stop floating after a while?

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  • by Thom64 on August 10th, 2004

    Thom64

    Helium atoms are much smaller than O2 or N2 molecules making it much easier for them to pass through "micropores" (I don't know if that is a legitimate word), or spaces, in the molecular or physical structure of the balloon material. While the kinetic energy model presented might be the better model, I have to think that the small size is a significant contributor to the rate of leakage relative to the larger/heavier components.

    Another significant detail: if I am correctly informed, many (if not most) helium balloons are not filled with pure helium, they are filled with air that has enough helium added to make the balloons buoyant. If your helium balloon shrinks a little bit so it no longer floats and stays that size for a long(er) time, that would be an indication of when the helium was essentially gone and the remainder was just air.

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    • Thanks, good answer. I was wondering why they still seem large but don't float. Now I know.

      katscratcedme

      by katscratcedme on August 12th, 2004

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