March 15, 2024 | UR Gate
Helium (He): Definition, Properties and Applications, Effects, and Facts
Helium: A Light Element with Exceptional Properties
Introduction:
Helium is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is the second lightest element after hydrogen, with an atomic mass of 4.002602 u. Helium belongs to the noble gas group, which is group 18 in the periodic table, and it has a stable electronic configuration that makes it chemically inert.
Helium's Position in the Periodic Table:
- Period: 1st
- Group: 18th (Noble Gases)
- Symbol: He
- Atomic Number: 2
- Atomic Mass: 4.002602 u
Physical Properties of Helium:
- State at Standard Conditions: Gas
- Color: Colorless
- Odor: Odorless
- Taste: Tasteless
- Density: 0.1786 g/L
- Boiling Point: -268.945 °C
- Melting Point: -272.2 °C
Chemical Properties of Helium:
- Reactivity: Inert and non-reactive gas
- Electron Configuration: Outer shell fully occupied by 2 electrons
- Bonding Ability: Does not readily react with other elements
- Ionization: High ionization energy
Atomic Properties of Helium:
- Number of Protons: 2
- Number of Neutrons: 2 (in the most common isotope)
- Number of Electrons: 2
- Atomic Radius: 31 pm
Helium's Reactions with Other Elements:
- Helium does not readily react with other elements due to its stable electronic configuration.
- Helium can react with some elements under specific conditions, such as its reaction with lithium to form lithium hydride.
- Helium is a component of stars, where it reacts with hydrogen in nuclear fusion to produce helium and energy.
Uses of Helium in Various Industries:
- Balloons and Airships: Helium is used to fill balloons and airships due to its lightness and non-flammability.
- Cooling: Helium is used in cooling at very low temperatures, such as in medical and scientific research fields.
- Medicine: Helium is used in treating some respiratory diseases, such as asthma.
- Industry: Helium is used in various industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing and glass production.
- Welding and Cutting: Helium is used as a shielding gas in welding and cutting processes to prevent metal corrosion.
Impact of Helium on the Environment and Health:
- Helium is non-toxic and poses no risk to human health.
- Helium is an inert gas and does not react with atmospheric components, thus posing no environmental hazard.
- Helium is a non-renewable resource, and its usage should be responsible.
Applications of Helium in Advanced Scientific Fields:
- Scientific Research: Helium is used in various scientific research fields, such as physics and astronomy.
- Nuclear Medicine: Helium is used in some nuclear medicine techniques.
- Space Exploration: Helium is used as rocket fuel.
- Nanotechnology: Helium is used in manufacturing some nanomaterials.
10 Facts about Helium:
- Helium is the second lightest element in the universe.
- Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen.
- Helium is the only element that cannot be liquefied at normal pressure.
- Helium is the only element that cannot be solidified at any pressure at room temperature.
- Helium is the only element that does not react with any other element under standard conditions.
- Helium is the only element that lacks any stable radioactive isotopes.
- Helium is the only element that cannot be detected using spectroscopic analysis.
- Helium is the only element that cannot dissolve in water.
- Helium is the only element that cannot be used in making nuclear bombs.
- Helium is the only element used to fill balloons and airships.
Summary:
Helium is an exceptional element with unique properties that make it useful in many applications. It is light, non-flammable, non-toxic, and inert.