How is it that helium is a rare element needed for X-rays that we will run out of but is used for silly things like balloons and voice modifiers?
In: Chemistry
We use a byproduct called balloon gas in “helium” balloons. During the production of helium the byproduct is balloon gas. Balloon gas is helium mixed with other gaseous impurities. Balloon gas could be further refined to remove the impurities, but the expense to do so outweighs the yield so it is either released to the atmosphere or collected and sold as balloon gas.
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