Gravity and Helium: Why Does Helium Float Up?

In summary, helium floats up to the sky because it is in an environment with higher air density, which exerts a greater gravitational force on the surrounding air than on the helium. This allows the helium to rise and "float" upwards. However, in a vacuum or thin air, the helium would not float as there would be no surrounding air to create this imbalance of gravitational force. This also explains why wood can float to the top of a lake, as it is less dense than water and therefore experiences a greater force from the surrounding water.
  • #1
DB
501
0
If gravity aplies the same force on every object, accellerating it to about 10 m/s2 (gee), then how come for example helium floats up to the sky?

Thnx
 
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  • #2
DB said:
If gravity aplies the same force on every object, accellerating it to about 10 m/s2 (gee), then how come for example helium floats up to the sky?

Thnx

Hint: the helium balloon will NOT float up the sky if it is in a vacuum, or very thin air.

Zz.
 
  • #3
Because it is "in the sky"- in other words, in air that has a higher density than helium has. The air is attracted by a greater force than the helium is (gravitational force is proportional to the mass) and "pushes" the helium up.
 
  • #4
DB said:
If gravity aplies the same force on every object, accellerating it to about 10 m/s2 (gee), then how come for example helium floats up to the sky?

Thnx

Hope this isn't too many cooks...

Try this : If gravity applies the same force on every object, accellerating it to about 10 m/s2 (gee), then how come for example wood floats up to the top of a lake ?

NOTE : Gravity does not apply the same force on all objects, it creates the same field (at some height)...but that's not important here.
 

FAQ: Gravity and Helium: Why Does Helium Float Up?

How does gravity affect helium?

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards each other. In the case of helium, which is a gas, gravity does not affect it as much as it does solid objects. This is because helium has a much lower density than air, causing it to rise and float upwards.

Why does helium float up?

Helium is less dense than air, meaning that it has a lower mass per unit volume. This makes it less affected by gravity and allows it to rise and float upwards. In other words, helium is lighter than the surrounding air, so it naturally moves upwards.

Is helium the only gas that floats up?

No, there are other gases that also float up, such as hydrogen and methane. These gases have lower densities than air, just like helium, which allows them to rise and float upwards.

Can helium float up in any environment?

Yes, helium will float up in any environment where it is not contained or confined. This is because it is lighter than the surrounding air, causing it to rise and disperse into the atmosphere.

Why does helium make balloons float?

Helium is commonly used to fill balloons because it is less dense than air, causing the balloon to float upwards. As the helium gas is released from the balloon, it will rise and disperse into the atmosphere, causing the balloon to gradually lose its lift and fall back to the ground.

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