ELI5 Helium - is there really a global shortage?

About this episode

This episode explores the properties of helium, its uses, and the paradox of its perceived shortage on Earth despite its abundance in the universe.

How can "superfluid" helium flow against gravity and climb up the walls of a container? Why was helium discovered on the Sun nearly thirty years before it was found on Earth? How does a gas used for party balloons play a critical role in life-saving MRI technology? Is inhaling helium to make funny voices actually a dangerous risk to your health? If helium is abundant in the universe, how are we "running out" of it on Earth? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: typesfast, twiztedbydesign, camnewtonslaw, nattybumppo, disappointedbird, crepitor, dr_heron and major_fudgemuffin To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com

People in this episode

Host: ELI5 Explain Like I'm Five Podcast

Topics covered

• helium
• superfluid
• MRI technology
• global shortage
• health risks
• universe abundance

Keywords

• helium
• superfluid
• MRI
• global shortage
• health risks
• party balloons
• universe

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: r/explainlikeimfive

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