Helium and hydrogen balloons from a chemistry perspective is the atomic structure of the gases. While both helium and hydrogen balloons can achieve lift and rise into the atmosphere, the choice between the two gases is mainly based on safety considerations. Helium is non-flammable and non-reactive, making it a safer choice than hydrogen, which is highly flammable and can react with oxygen in the air to form water vapor. As a result, helium is the gas of choice for most commercial and recreational balloons, while hydrogen is only used in specialized applications where its high lifting power is necessary and the risks can be mitigated.
Buoyancy is the upward force that is exerted on an object when it is immersed in a fluid (in this case, air). This force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. When a balloon is filled with helium or hydrogen gas, it becomes lighter than the surrounding air because these gases have a lower density than air. As a result, the upward buoyant force on the balloon is greater than the downward force of gravity, causing the balloon to rise into the air.
The amount of lift generated by a balloon depends on several factors, including the volume of the balloon, the amount of gas it contains, and the weight of the balloon and any attached objects. A larger balloon or one filled with more gas will generate more lift, while a heavier object attached to the balloon will require more lift to be generated to keep it aloft.