eli5 What happens to helium balloons after they float into the atmosphere?

Question

eli5 What happens to helium balloons after they float into the atmosphere?

In: 43

Answer 1

The balloon goes up where there is less air to squish it, so it gets bigger. When it gets bigger, the rubber stretches and the tiny holes and imperfections get bigger, and the helium leaks out until it’s empty. Or sometimes, it gets so big it pops.