Colossal Questions Season 3 Episode 2 Why Does Helium Make Your Voice High?

Colossal Questions season 3 episode 2 is titled "Why Does Helium Make Your Voice High?" In this episode, the host will explore the science behind helium and its effects on the human voice.

The show will start with a brief introduction to what helium is and its properties. The host will explain that helium is a non-toxic, nonflammable, and odorless gas that is lighter than air. The element's chemical symbol is He, and it is the second lightest element in the periodic table.

Then, the episode will move on to the main topic- why does helium make your voice high? The host will explain that when a person breathes in helium, the gas alters the way their voice sounds. Instead of the normal voice, the person's voice becomes high-pitched and squeaky. This is a popular party trick, but what is the science behind it?

The host will discuss the anatomy of the human voice and how it produces sound. They will explain that the human voice box, or larynx, contains two vocal cords that vibrate when air passes through them. It is these vibrations that produce sound. The pitch of the voice depends on the speed of these vibrations, called the frequency.

When helium is inhaled, it replaces the air in the lungs and the voice box, changing the way the vocal cords vibrate. The helium molecules are much smaller than the air molecules, causing the vocal cords to vibrate faster. This faster vibration produces a higher pitch sound, resulting in the high-pitched, squeaky voice.

The host will then discuss the properties of helium that make it react this way with the human voice. They will explain that helium is a non-toxic gas that does not react with the tissues of the human body. This property allows it to be inhaled without any harm, unlike other gases such as carbon dioxide or methane.

The episode will also cover other interesting facts about helium, including its history and uses. Helium was first discovered in 1868 by a French astronomer, Pierre Janssen. It was then named after the Greek god of the sun, Helios. Helium is used for a wide range of applications, from cooling MRI magnets to filling party balloons.

Throughout the episode, the host will use fun animations and examples to help explain the science behind helium and its effects on the human voice. The episode will feature interviews with experts in the field and showcase various experiments to demonstrate the unique properties of helium.

In conclusion, "Why Does Helium Make Your Voice High?" is an informative and entertaining episode that explores the science behind one of the most popular party tricks. The host will take the viewers on a journey through the anatomy of the human voice, the properties of helium and its uses, and how they react to produce the iconic squeaky voice.