Date: 2021-03-24
Why do helium balloons "float"?
Before we determine how many helium balloons a person lifts, let's start with a little theory. Why do these balloons "float" at all? This is because they are filled with helium, a gas that is lighter than air.
You probably already know the phenomenon of buoyancy. For example, an inflatable mattress floats on water because the air it is filled with is lighter than water. The same principle applies here: since helium has a density lower than the density of air, a balloon filled with this gas will begin to move upwards.
The density of helium is equal to 0.1785 grams per liter. The density of air, on the other hand, is about 1.25 grams per liter. Leaving some tolerance to the weight of the balloon and the string, we can calculate that each liter of helium has a lifting force of one gram.
There are several other gases that are lighter than air, such as hydrogen, ammonia or methane. They are not often used in balloons as they are easily flammable. However, you can change the type of gas in this helium balloon calculator to compare between helium and helium.
We at Crazy Balloon use only Helium because we care about quality!
