The main difference between filling a balloon with helium and hydrogen lies in their physical properties and safety considerations.
Helium: Helium is a non-flammable, lighter-than-air gas. It is commonly used to fill balloons because it is safer than hydrogen. Helium is an inert gas, meaning it does not easily react with other substances. It is not combustible, so there is no risk of the balloon catching fire or exploding due to the gas itself. Helium-filled balloons tend to float in the air due to the gas being less dense than the surrounding atmosphere.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is also lighter than air and can be used to fill balloons, providing similar buoyancy as helium. However, hydrogen is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air if ignited. The flammability and explosive nature of hydrogen make it riskier to use compared to helium. Due to safety concerns, hydrogen is not commonly used for filling balloons intended for public use or general recreational purposes.
Other gases like neon: While it is theoretically possible to fill a balloon with gases like neon, there are practical limitations and safety considerations. Neon is heavier than both helium and hydrogen, so it would not provide the same buoyancy for a balloon to float. Additionally, gases like neon are typically more expensive, less readily available, and may not be suitable for filling balloons due to factors such as their density, reactivity, or limited lifting capabilities.
In summary, helium is the preferred choice for filling balloons due to its safety, availability, and buoyancy properties. Hydrogen, although also lightweight, is highly flammable and poses a greater risk. Other gases like neon are not commonly used due to factors such as cost, availability, or lack of buoyancy for lifting balloons. It is essential to prioritize safety when choosing gases for filling balloons to prevent accidents or hazards.