explain why helium is used instead of hydrogen in balloons for meteorological
research
Helium will not burn. Hydrogen will. Look up on Google the Hindenburg disaster.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_disaster
Helium is used instead of hydrogen in balloons for meteorological research due to several reasons:
1. Safety: Helium is a non-flammable gas, unlike hydrogen which is highly flammable. This makes helium a much safer option for filling balloons. Hydrogen is not used due to the risk of fire or explosions.
2. Stability: Helium is a stable gas and does not react with other elements or compounds. This makes it a reliable choice for scientific experiments and meteorological research, where consistency and accuracy are essential. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is highly reactive and can easily combine with other elements, which could interfere with the research or affect the results.
3. Availability: Helium is more readily available compared to hydrogen. It is a naturally occurring gas and can be extracted from natural gas deposits. In contrast, hydrogen gas needs to be produced through various industrial processes, which makes it less accessible and more expensive.
To get this information, you can research the properties of helium and hydrogen gases, their safety considerations, and their availability. You can also consult scientific literature, books, and articles that specifically discuss the use of gases in meteorological research or balloon flights. Additionally, reaching out to experts in the field of meteorology or balloon research can provide further insights into the reasons behind using helium instead of hydrogen.