Helium
by Yogi P - September 8, 2023
Helium (He)
Helium is the second element on the periodic table. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, making up about 24% of all matter. It is also the second lightest element, with an atomic mass of just 4.002602 u. Helium is found in the sun and stars, as well as in the atmospheres of other planets. It is also found in natural gas deposits.
History and Discovery of Helium
Helium was first discovered in 1868 by Pierre Janssen and Joseph Norman Lockyer during a solar eclipse. They observed a bright yellow line in the solar spectrum that they could not identify with any known element. They named the element “helium” after the Greek word for “sun,” helios.
Helium was not found on Earth until 1895, when it was isolated from natural gas by William Ramsay and Morris Travers. They found that helium was a very light gas, with an atomic mass of just 4.002602 u.
Properties of Helium
- Atomic number: 2
- Symbol: He
- Atomic mass: 4.002602 u
- Melting point: -272.22 °C
- Boiling point: -268.93 °C
- Density: 0.1785 g/L
- Valence electrons: 2
Isotopes of Helium
Helium has two naturally occurring isotopes:
- Helium-3 and
- Helium-4
Helium-4 is the most common isotope and makes up about 99.9999% of all helium.
Helium-3 is a rare isotope and makes up about 0.0001% of all helium.
Uses of Helium
Helium is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Cryogenics
- Balloons and airships
- MRI scanners
- Lasers
- Semiconductors
- Welding
- Fusion power
- Space exploration
- Medical applications
- Industrial applications
- Scientific research
Safety Precautions
Helium is a non-toxic gas, but it can be harmful if inhaled in high concentrations. It can displace oxygen in the lungs, leading to suffocation. It is important to take safety precautions when handling helium, such as using it in a well-ventilated area.
Conclusion
Helium is an important element with a wide range of uses. It is important to be aware of its properties and safety precautions when handling it. The future of helium technology is uncertain, but it has the potential to be used in a variety of new and innovative applications.
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