I understand that Helium is lighter than air, but why does a latex ballon stop floating after a few hours
In: Chemistry
Helium is a very tiny atom that easily fits through small gaps. Most balloons are not “airtight” to helium, so it leaks out.
The helium can slowly leak out through the latex and what seals it closed. They even make some stuff that’s basically glue to put in balloons to make them last longer. If you keep it long enough the balloon will deflate itself.
Latex balloons have very tiny holes in them, so the helium leaks out in a few hours.
Mylar balloons (shiny with foil) have way less holes, so they can float for months, sometimes over a year.
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