Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Does the buoyancy of a helium balloon disprove gravity?
Is helium pulled down by gravity or not?
Let's do a simple experiment to see if floating really eliminates the downward force on things.
Attention Skeptics: You should take notice that nothing in this video proves gravity or even measures gravity in any way. Let's see how far we can get with just weight, density, and buoyancy.
jump ahead:
@1:29 What you'll need
@1:47 Definitions
@2:48 Step 1: Weigh your empty measuring cup
@3:01 Step 2: Add 250 mL of water and weigh that
@3:10 Calculate the density of water
@4:05 Step 3: Measure out that same weight in ice
@4:17 Step 4: Measure the weight of the ice and water together
@5:05 Where did the weight of the ice go?
@5:37 Step 5: Measure the water level with the ice floating in it
@6:22 Step 6: Cover with plastic and let the ice melt
@6:29 Step 7: When the ice has melted, check the water level and weigh it again
@6:53 What does this tell us about helium?
This is an excellent point to launch into some discussion now.
Does the buoyancy of a helium balloon disprove gravity?
Is helium pulled down by gravity or not?
Let's do a simple experiment to see if floating really eliminates the downward force on things.
Attention Skeptics: You should take notice that nothing in this video proves gravity or even measures gravity in any way. Let's see how far we can get with just weight, density, and buoyancy.
jump ahead:
@1:29 What you'll need
@1:47 Definitions
@2:48 Step 1: Weigh your empty measuring cup
@3:01 Step 2: Add 250 mL of water and weigh that
@3:10 Calculate the density of water
@4:05 Step 3: Measure out that same weight in ice
@4:17 Step 4: Measure the weight of the ice and water together
@5:05 Where did the weight of the ice go?
@5:37 Step 5: Measure the water level with the ice floating in it
@6:22 Step 6: Cover with plastic and let the ice melt
@6:29 Step 7: When the ice has melted, check the water level and weigh it again
@6:53 What does this tell us about helium?
This is an excellent point to launch into some discussion now.
