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  • Why Helium Balloons Lose Lift Quickly: The Science of Helium Leakage

    The answer is pretty simple: the helium leaks out. Helium is a very small atom and latex is pretty porous at the scale of a helium atom (if you ever go looking to buy balloons, you will see that there are "helium-grade" balloons, which try to be thicker and less porous).

    The weight balance that keeps a balloon afloat does not leave a lot of room for leakage, so once a little leaks out the balloon falls.

    See How Helium Balloons Work for complete details on the weight that a helium balloon can lift!

    Here are some interesting links:

    • How Hot Air Balloons Work
    • Would a balloon filled with vacuum instead of helium float?
    • How many regular-sized helium-filled balloons would it take to lift someone?
    • About.com: History of Balloons

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