81
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2024
81 points (97.6% liked)
InsanePeopleFacebook
2634 readers
204 users here now
Screenshots of people being insane on Facebook. Please censor names/pics of end users in screenshots. Please follow the rules of lemmy.world
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
That’s how we get helium.
Edit: Because someone has downvoted me, now I have to explain it.
Helium is a noble gas; it doesn't bond with anything. It's also lighter than air (at ground level), so if it was just free, it would rise. So how come I can go buy a tank of it and fill balloons?
Radioactive uranium and thorium decay, and when they do, they release an alpha particle. An alpha particle is two protons and two neutrons. This is the same as a helium nucleus. When these alpha particles are released, they capture electrons from the environment, and now you have helium.
When high concentrations of uranium and/or thorium are found near natural gas seams, it's possible for the helium to become trapped in the top of the seam. It's then possible to collect that helium as a byproduct of natural gas wells.
Almost all of the world's helium is produced in an area around San Antonio, TX.
Can we downvote you again for more interesting info?
I have no power to stop you.