Morgan Freeman, host of
Through the Wormhole on the Science Channel, has a characteristic baritone
voice. What is better than listening him describe the most difficult concepts
about the Universe in a voice that is smoother than silk? Hearing him do it on
helium.Why does inhaling helium make
voices sound funny?
The density of helium is lower than nitrogen, so when an individual
who has inhaled helium starts to speak, the gas disturbs the wavelength of the
sound waves coming out, letting them to travel more rapidly. Thus, the result
of inhaling helium is a short-term squeaky voice, suggestive of Alvin and the
Chipmunks.
