Wuz Two: Strange kind of chemistry (make that physics). Hydrogen, too, is lighter than air.
Maybe air-filled balloons? Well, Rubin can’t deliver yucks all the time.
Helium, being monatomic, as opposed to hydrogen which is diatomic (H2), is the smallest molecule.
It will migrate through steel.
A steel tank of helium will slowly lose pressure, until it has an internal pressure near the partial pressure of helium in the surrounding environment.
Helium tanks are often made of aluminum wrapped with fiberglass/epoxy to slow this process.
LeftSock13 over 15 years ago
Bad economy, half the helium.
black_knight15_au over 15 years ago
Used helium balloons - half price.
agent.007 over 15 years ago
Wuz Two: Strange kind of chemistry (make that physics). Hydrogen, too, is lighter than air. Maybe air-filled balloons? Well, Rubin can’t deliver yucks all the time.
har-de-har over 15 years ago
Usually a day or two after a party the helium balloons are still inflated but they no longer float.
agent.007 over 15 years ago
Yes, allegedly helium atoms can slowly migrate through the walls of some thin balloons. Strangely, carbon dioxide molecules have the same capability.
Miserichord over 15 years ago
Helium, being monatomic, as opposed to hydrogen which is diatomic (H2), is the smallest molecule. It will migrate through steel. A steel tank of helium will slowly lose pressure, until it has an internal pressure near the partial pressure of helium in the surrounding environment. Helium tanks are often made of aluminum wrapped with fiberglass/epoxy to slow this process.