Abt helium balloon and electrolysis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around two main questions: the behavior of helium balloons when held together versus when they are free, and the implications of using a glass cup designed for electrolysis that may become 'toxic' due to deposited substances. The scope includes conceptual understanding of buoyancy and electrolysis effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that not all helium balloons have enough helium to be positively buoyant, which could explain why a bundle of balloons does not rise.
  • There is a concern raised about the potential toxicity of the glass cup due to the deposition of materials at the cathode and anode during electrolysis.
  • One participant explicitly states they would not drink from the cup, indicating a shared concern about its safety.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential toxicity of the cup and the buoyancy issue of helium balloons, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions under which balloons rise or do not rise.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions affecting the buoyancy of the balloons or the exact nature of the substances that may be deposited in the cup, leaving some assumptions and definitions unaddressed.

lwymarie
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Sorry I am poor at using English to describe things. I hope you will patiently read my questions and answer them.


1. I saw some helium balloons today. We all know that if you do not hold the helium balloons, they will rise up to the sky. But today I saw a bundle of helium balloons (their holding strings are tied up together) on the floor. They do not rise up to the sky. Instead, the balloons just jump up and down or move horizontally. Can you explain why is it so? When do the helium balloons rise up and when do they not?

2. I bought some funny glass cups. There are the cathode and the anode at the inner surface of the bottom of the cup. The bottom of the cup contains some light bulbs. So when you pour some water into the cup, the bottom of will light up.
So if water inside the cup is replaced consistently, there will be a thin layer (originally cations) covering the cathode. In the same way, there will be a thin layer (originally anions) covering the anode. So the cup will become 'toxic' as substances are deposited at the bottom. So these cups cannot be used for drinking. Am I right?


Thank you =)
 
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Can anyone ans me? ><
 
1. Not all balloons have enough helium to be positively buoyant.
2. No, I would not drink out of that cup.
 
russ_watters said:
1. Not all balloons have enough helium to be positively buoyant.
2. No, I would not drink out of that cup.

So toxic materials may be deposited at the bottom?
 

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