Why isnt Hydrogen used for balloons?

Answer 1

Hydrogen is not used for balloons because it his highly flammable. The flame from a cigarette lighter applied within an inch or two will melt the balloon resulting in a release of gas. With the release of hydrogen into an oxygenated environment (such as the atmosphere) in the presence of an ignition source, it will combust resulting in a quick but really big flame which could catch something else on fire.

Helium is inert. It replaced hydrogen at some point for this reason and the fact that it is only slightly heavier than hydrogen (being the next element on the periodic table) meaning that it would still float easily.

Answer 2

Mmm.. 2 words 'improve improve' heavily after the Hindenburg and the R101 mess ups of the outdated Hydrogen filled zeppelins/airships. the days of hydrogen use as a lighter than air buoyancy help became over..

Answer 3

though hydrogen is the lightest element, helium is the best for balloons because hydrogen is flammable. that's the main reason.

Answer 4

One reason is that it is far more expensive than simple compressed air. Another reason is that it is very volatile and will burn ferociously with the smallest spark. Look up the Hindenberg dirigible in the history books. That wll show you why hydrogen is not used.

Answer 5

Hydrogen gas is highly explosive whereas helium gas is inert.

It's just a safety thing.

Answer 6

It's explosive.
Remember the Hindenburg disaster?

Answer 7

Because it is HIGHLY-FLAMMABLE! The second-lightest element, Helium, is being used instead.

Answer 8

Because of it very flamable .It easy to burn even though with very small lit.

Answer 9

balloon bombs

yeh !!!!!!!!