Since Norman Lockyer discovered helium, and William Ramsay first learned how to extract it from a radioactive mineral called cleveite, more than a hundred years have passed. Since then, this amazing chemical element is known to any student. It is nice to see how, for example, in a store, in one instant, a piece of rubber turns into a colored cloud. Air balloons with helium look especially easy and beautiful. It just seems like they want to fly into the sky. With these toys you always want to decorate the apartment for some holiday in order to create a pleasant and cheerful mood. Let's see if helium can be made at home using improvised means.
Can I make helium for balls myself at home?
As you know, more than half of the total helium supply is located in the earth's crust. Most of it is concentrated in its granite shell. Therefore, if you need this inert gas, go to the nearest mine, not forgetting to bring a couple of empty cylinders with you. Make your way to the granite strata and pump out helium from the accumulation of natural gases or from uranium springs. Of course, this is unrealistic, as well as impossible to make helium for balls at home. Even if you purchase special equipment, the right catalysts, and a protective suit, your success will be zero. In no school chemistry textbook do you find stories on how to make helium yourself. There are special plants for the production of this desired chemical element. Therefore, to make a mysterious element is not within the power of any person.
How to make helium for balls at home?
However, to inflate a light and weightless ball at home alone is a completely solvable problem. True, only a composition is obtained that is similar in its properties to a known chemical element. To inflate the balls with helium, you only need soda, vinegar and a little patience. To do this, pour one spoonful of soda into the deflated ball. Then take an empty plastic bottle, carefully pour a little vinegar there. Now quickly put the ball on the bottle, holding it at the base. Pour soda into the container. Helium for balls at home is ready. The ball will quickly inflate itself. When it reaches the desired size, pinch the tip of the air sphere and release it by removing it from the bottle. Tie the base with a thread or gift ribbon, wrap twice so that the structure does not untie.
Conclusion
Inflate the balls with the children. Turn the entire procedure into a spectacular sight. Say that you show the trick that the ball will inflate without your efforts. Children will appreciate your skills. Teach the kids to inflate balloons in this way, and there will be no limit to their enthusiasm, but they will have to do this under your supervision. Decorate your birthday apartment with finished crafts, and all guests will surely enjoy the surprise. The main thing is to tie all the knots on the balls stronger so that your color miracle does not give up the spirit before the arrival of relatives and friends.