Top 10 Interesting Facts about Helium
Helium is very important element placed at 2nd position in periodic table. He-atom is known for its unique properties and various applications. Today we will learn some interesting facts about helium, which makes He very special element of periodic table. Lets increase your science knowledge with below infographic & scientific facts on helium element.
Infographics on Interesting Facts about Helium
Interesting Facts about Helium
- Second Lightest Element: Helium is the second lightest element on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 2. Helium is about seven times lighter than air.
- Named After the Sun: The name "helium" is derived from the Greek word "Helios," which means the Sun. It was first discovered in the spectrum of the sun, before it was found on our planet Earth.
- Noble Gas: Helium is a noble gas, that means 'He' is colourless, odourless, and chemically inert. It doesn't readily react with any other element of periodic table.
- Low Boiling Point: Helium has an extremely low boiling point of -268.9°C (-452.0°F), which is close to absolute zero. This makes it useful in cryogenics.
- Liquid Helium: When cooled to extremely low temperatures, helium becomes a liquid with unique properties. Liquid helium is used in cooling superconducting magnets and scientific research.
- Lighter Than Air: Helium is lighter than air, that's why helium-filled balloons float in sky. This property has made it a popular choice for lighter-than-air vehicles like blimps and balloons.
- Non-Renewable Resource: While helium is abundant in the universe, it is relatively scarce on our planet Earth and can be challenging to extract. It is primarily obtained as a byproduct of natural gas production.
- Helium in Healthcare: Helium-oxygen mixtures, known as Heliox, are used in respiratory therapy to treat conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Helium in Scientific Research: Liquid helium is essential in scientific experiments and research, particularly in low-temperature physics and superconductivity studies.
- The "Voice" Effect: Inhaling helium temporarily changes the pitch of a person's voice due to its lower density compared to air. However, this can be dangerous and is not recommended because helium displaces oxygen in the lungs.
10+. Helium Shortages: While helium is abundant in the universe, on Earth, it can be in short supply due to the difficulty in extracting and storing it. This led to periodic helium shortages, affecting industries and scientific research.
Helium's unique properties and practical applications make it a fascinating element with a wide range of uses, from party balloons to cutting-edge scientific research. I hope you enjoy these interesting facts about helium. Impress your friends by sharing these interesting helium facts!
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Physical and Chemical Properties of Helium
Given below are physical and chemical properties of helium element.
Property | Description |
Chemical Properties | |
Chemical Symbol | He |
Atomic Number | 2 |
Atomic Weight (amu) | 4.0026 |
Electron Configuration | 1s2 |
Isotopes | Helium-3 (3He), Helium-4 (4He) |
Reactivity | Chemically inert; does not readily form compounds. |
Combustion Products | Does not burn or react with other elements. |
Physical Properties | |
State at Standard Conditions | Colourless, odourless gas |
Melting Point | -272.2°C (-457.96°F) |
Boiling Point | -268.9°C (-452.0°F) |
Density (at 0°C, 1 atm) | 0.1786 g/L |
Molar Mass | 4.0026 g/mol |
Appearance | Colorless and transparent gas |
Solubility | Insoluble in water and most common solvents |
Thermal Conductivity | High thermal conductivity |
Non-Renewable Resource | Extracted from natural gas, not renewable resource. |
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