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How to Make a Balloon Rise Without Helium

Helium balloons rise because the gas inside of them is lighter than air. But helium is not the only light gas. Hydrogen is lighter than both air and helium and will give your balloon the lift it needs to counteract the pull of gravity holding it on the ground. While pure hydrogen gas is difficult to purchase, you can make it yourself using supplies from your science lab, hardware store and home.

Things You'll Need

  • 20 mL dilute hydrochloric or muriatic acid
  • Glass jar or beaker
  • 5 sodium hydroxide pellets
  • 20 grams granular zinc or 6 to 8 pennies (1982 or newer)
  • 0.3 grams aluminum foil or tin can pieces
  • Latex balloon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour 20 mL of dilute hydrochloric or muriatic acid into a glass jar or beaker, or dissolve five sodium hydroxide pellets in 20 mL of water.

    • 2

      Pour 20 grams of granular zinc or six to eight pennies (dated 1982 or later) into the jar or beaker. If you are using the sodium hydroxide solution, use 0.3 grams of aluminum foil or tin can pieces instead of zinc or pennies.

    • 3

      Attach the mouth of the balloon over the neck of the bottle or beaker and wait for it to fill up with hydrogen gas.

    • 4

      Remove the balloon from the beaker gently and tie a knot in the bottom to hold in the gas.

    • 5

      Release the balloon and watch it rise to the ceiling.


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