Why Is Helium Used To Lift Blimps Instead Of Hydrogen?
Hydrogen has more lift than Helium (approximately twice as much). However, Hydrogen is extremely flammable when mixed with oxygen. Some research sites use hydrogen (generated on site, from water, using electricity) to fill atmospheric research balloons but take extensive precautions to avoid igniting the hydrogen. For example, they will have grounding straps or pads to prevent static electricity sparks. While hydrogen may have started — and contributed to — the Hindenburg fire, most of the burning was the covering and products used to coat it. On the other hand, Helium is inert (non-flammable). But Helium is also expensive to manufacture, while just about anyone can make Hydrogen at home.
