Why do balloons deflate over time?
Unlike balloons filled with air or carbon dioxide, those filled with helium gas are popular for their ability to float in midair. Both types of balloons deflate over time, but the molecular structure of helium compared to air brings about the faster deflation.Helium GasAccording to Beautiful Balloons Design and Décor, a Canadian company specializing in balloons, the molecules of helium, a nonflammable, nontoxic, nonradioactive, naturally occurring and environmentally friendly gas, are smaller than those of regular air. This allows helium to escape more easily from the balloon.Air PressureSince helium is lighter than air, the helium-filled balloon deflates because the air pressure outside the balloon causes the helium gas inside to drift out. When a person blows into a balloon and fills it with carbon dioxide, this gas doesn’t deflate as fast as helium, because the pressure inside is similar to that outside.EffusionEffusion is the process whereby gas molecules escape through tiny holes
