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Where does Helium expand?

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:32 pm
by deleted-779842
Hello. I would like to know where else a helium balloon would explode due to heat. For example, I’m aware that helium balloons commonly explode in cars, therefore, are there any other places besides cars where helium balloons would explode?

Re: Where does Helium expand?

Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2019 11:29 am
by norman40
Hi desireevaldez,

All gases (not just helium) expand when they are heated. And if you put a helium-filled balloon in a closed car during hot weather, the helium may expand enough to break the balloon.

Science Buddies has a project on gas expansion and contraction due to temperature:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... nd#summary

The background information and bibliography should be of interest to you.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

Re: Where does Helium expand?

Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2019 3:12 pm
by rmarz
desireevaldez - In adddition to Norman40's comment on temperature increasing volume (Charles' Law), by simply releasing the balloon outdoors, the reduced atmospheric pressure with higher altitude will reach a point where the balloon will burst. Atmospheric pressure at 2,000 ft altitude is 80% of sea level pressure. At 5,000 feet it is about 55% and at 10,000 feet it is just over 25%. If the balloon was well inflated, it would certainly burst by that point.

Rick Marz

need ideas for a control group/variable

Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:56 pm
by deleted-779842
Hello, my project is about how the color and gas effects the timing of a balloon’s burst. How can I have a control group if the independent variables are the color and gases of the balloons?

Re: Where does Helium expand?

Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 8:22 pm
by MadelineB
Hello desireevaldez,

I have merged your most recent post with the thread for your original post so that the experts who have been helping you can more easily see that you have a follow-up question. Please keep your posts together. Thanks!

Re: Where does Helium expand?

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:49 pm
by norman40
Hi desireevaldez,

A control group is used as a reference or standard for comparison with a test group. The type and design of an experiment indicate the need for a control group and some experiments do not need one. You might want to post some details about the experiment you have in mind so that we can assess the need for a control.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman