Helium

Did you know Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe?  Helium is a gas that has to form on the Earth’s crust, it is formed when radioactive elements such as thorium and uranium decay.  It is tasteless, odorless and colorless and makes hot air balloons and blimps float.  It pressurizes the fuel tanks of rockets.  It is used in supersonic windmills, scuba tanks, lasers and as a coolant.  And lets not forget the colorful balloons we use in celebrations.  What causes helium-filled balloons to float?  We breath in mostly nitrogen filled air, nitrogen weighs 1.2506 grams per liter.  Helium weighs only 0.1785 grams per liter and when pumped into a balloon displaces heavier air and pushes it upward.  Ever wonder why someones voice changes when they inhale a balloon?  When we speak our vocal chords vibrate like guitar strings.  The density of normal air allows our vocal chords to vibrate at normal speed.  When helium is breathed in, it is lighter than air, your vocal chords don’t work so hard to vibrate, so they vibrate faster.  That causes your voice to come out high pitched and squeaky.  It is NEVER advised to inhale helium as it can cause injury to your brain or even death! De Hart Plumbing, Heating and Cooling serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas, Wamego Kansas and some surrounding areas.