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1.
Why do
balloons float?
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Helium (He) is a
non-flammable, colorless, odorless, and tasteless inert gas.
When inflated with helium, balloons float because helium is
lighter than air.
2.
From what
are balloons made?
Balloons are made from a variety of materials including latex,
foil, Mylar®, &
3.
What are
the environmental implications of using latex balloons?
Latex balloons are not
harmful for the environment, as they are 100%, biodegradable. After
inflation, the latex begins to breakdown when exposed to the atmosphere and sunlight. About three hours after a balloon is released,
4.
What
causes the high-pitched voice associated with inhaling helium?
The sound quality of a
person’s voice will change after inhaling helium, because helium is less
dense than the air in the atmosphere. Although the gas is nontoxic, inhaling helium can displace
oxygen in the body, which will cause headaches, dizziness, labored
breathing, and eventually unconsciousness.
5.
Why are
balloons so loud when they pop?
Air is compressed
inside of an inflated balloon.
When a hole is created, the pop that is heard is the sound of
energy released instantly.
Since this speed is much higher than the speed of sound in air,
the hole in the balloon actually breaks the sound barrier, creating a
sonic boom.
6.
What is
Hi-Float®?
Hi-Float is a
non-toxic solution containing a water-soluble plastic that extends the
float time of a latex balloon.
When dried inside of a balloon,
the solution that is similar to the adhesive on the back of a postage
stamp, forms a coating which helps to hold in helium.
7.
How long
will a balloon float?
|
Size |
Float Time*
@ 68 – 72 degrees |
Float Time*
w/Ultra Hi-Float® |
|
11” |
12 – 14 hours |
1 – 3 weeks |
|
14” |
26 – 30 hours |
2 – 5 weeks |
|
16”
round |
30+ hours |
3 – 7 weeks |
|
16”
Geo Donut or Blossom |
18 – 24 hours |
3 – 10 days |
|
17”
round |
36+ hours |
3 – 8 weeks |
|
17”
Heart |
14 hours |
3 – 8 weeks |
|
40” |
3 – 5 days |
6 – 20 weeks |
|
18” Mylar |
5 – 10 days |
N/A |
|
36” Mylar |
2 – 3 weeks |
N/A |
*
Please remember that these are estimates based on typical indoor
conditions and following all of the instructions contained in this
website. Flying time will be less if outdoors. Flying time varies
greatly due to factors such as latex quality, humidity, temperature,
altitude, etc. Balloons typically half as long in hot, humid weather.
For maximum floating life, hand-tie balloons.
8.
How much
helium would it take to lift a person?
A helium balloon experiences an upward force that is equal to
the weight of the air it displaces (the buoyant force on the
balloon) minus its own
weight. At sea level, air weighs about 0.078 pounds per cubic foot, so
the
Note: Taken from How Things Work, Virginia Education
