A college student is taking a similar course with a similar lecture some time ago. The question about helium and one's voice is raised the professor explains it. Our genius isn't listening to the answer and he creates his own explanation. He concludes that Noble Gasses, regardless of type, will raise your voice.

Not one to jump to conclusions, he decides to test his theory out. Through unknown methods, he aparently secures a large tank of argon gas. The genius takes the tank back to his dorm room and he decides to show his roomates that argon will raise your voice. He hooks up a breather and takes a breath.

Almost imedietly, he falls to the floor, choking and clutching his chest. No one seem to tell him that argon gas weighs over twice as much as oxygen does and that the lungs can't support that much weight. Luckly, his roomates are getting a better grade in the class than he is, and they know to hold him out of the window upside down to get the gas out before he dies.

He was saved by his roomates, and learned a valuable lesson in the process, one which many school labs make a point all the time. If it isn't air, don't breath it in large amounts. Or really, it should be not to breathe it at all. Just hope he doesn't get his hands on something like a tank of xenon or else we may have a winner.

Submitted on 10/20/2006

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: Personal Account, date unknown

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Though perhaps apocryphal, this IS believable, and there's always at least ONE "Einstein" who's going to try it! I got a helluva laugh out of this one! Good enough for a PA!

Graham said:
Neutral: Urban Legend
There's just too much wrong with this story to be believable. However, with some modifications, it could be a great urban legend. Bottles of Noble Gases don't just lie around as they're expensive and dangerous (helium, xenon, krypton, neon and argon)

Jorge said:
Neutral: Urban Legend
I agree with Graham's POV

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