Question

Which gas is used in weather observation balloons?

• A. argon
• B. neon
• C. helium
• D. xenon

Answer 1

The correct option is C

helium

The explanation for the correct option- (C) Helium

Helium $\left(\mathrm{He}\right)$-

• It is an inert gas that is lighter than air.
• It is non-flammable.

Weather balloons - It is a balloon that carries instruments in the upper atmosphere to record changes taking place in the weather and also send the data back to the surface.

• Initially, hydrogen gas was used to fill weather balloons.
• But due to the flammable property of hydrogen, it is discontinued.
• Now helium is used instead of hydrogen.

The explanation for the incorrect options-

(A) Argon - It is heavier than air and hence will not lift the balloon.

(B) Neon - It is also heavier and relatively less abundant than helium.

(D) Xenon - It is an extremely rare gas and 4.5 times heavier than air hence, cannot be used.

Hence, option (C) is correct. Helium