What would cause small helium filled balloons to fall to the ground?

Question

I know they will fall if they pop, but what are the other causes? Would a change of barometric pressure, such as a passing thunderstorm, cause this?

I ask this question because a friend was at a party where they had several helium filled baloons, and they all dropped at the same time as a thunderstorm was going through.

Answer 1

The balloon floats only if its weight is less than the surrounding air. If the air around the balloons was heated, then it would be relatively lighter than the balloons so they would fall. All at once does sound strange though.
Usually, the helium atoms squeeze out between the rubber atoms of the balloon and then there isn't enough lighter helium inside to counter the balloon's weight.

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

The correct answer to this question is the pressure in the atmospheric fault will allow the balloon to float as high as the stratosphere will allow but when the balloon hits a certain degree of temperature the gas filled balloon will decrease in weight and use the extra space as a solid and then dropping from the sky.

Answer 4

that is a possibility,also the balloons skin is actually porous and the helium is escaping a little at the time, heat and humidity will also make them fall by expanding the balloon, or your helium is turning inert.

Answer 5

Helium molecules are really small and escape rubber more easily than other gases. So it comes out slowly, creating less lift.

Answer 6

If the balloon is heavier than the helium's lift.

Answer 7

Good question. I know heat can make them fall quicker from experience so other pressure changes should cause them to react differently as well, I assume.

Answer 8

If the helium level decreases, it will start to sink.

Answer 9

I suppose it's possible that if an extremely low pressure front came in, they would noticeably drop, but I'd have to see it or have t duplicated to believe it.

Answer 10

yet suggestively, if he mentioned he "did no longer like boobs in any respect" does not you be much extra perplexed? Btw, i in my opinion like boobs that are no longer too massive or too small. on the side word, are you particular your physique appears like a 12 twelve months old?