Helium is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert, monatomic gas that heads the noble gas group in the periodic table and is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the observable universe. Its low boiling and melting points make it ideal for cryogenics and its inertness makes it useful in applications where reactions are undesirable.

Helium Properties

Helium is a noble gas with the atomic number 2, known for its low density and inertness, making it invaluable in applications requiring non-reactive environments, such as in cryogenics and as a protective gas in welding. Its scarcity on Earth, primarily extracted from natural gas reserves, underscores its importance and the need for sustainable management of its resources.

Helium

Colorless gas

Odorless gas

Tasteless gas

Non-toxic gas

An inert gas, also known as a noble gas, is a group of chemical elements that are characterized by their lack of reactivity due to having a complete valence electron shell. This stability makes them useful in various applications where non-reactivity is essential, such as in lighting, welding, and preserving historical documents.

Inert Gas

A monatomic gas consists of individual atoms not bonded to each other, typically found in noble gases like helium and neon. These gases exhibit simple behavior under the ideal gas law due to the lack of intermolecular forces and rotational or vibrational energy states.

monatomic gas

noble gas group

The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that organizes all known chemical elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It serves as a fundamental tool in chemistry, enabling scientists to understand element relationships, predict chemical reactions, and discover new elements.

periodic table

Second lightest element

second most abundant element

The observable universe refers to the portion of the entire universe that can be seen from Earth, limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe. It encompasses all matter that has emitted light or other signals since the Big Bang, extending approximately 46.5 billion light-years in every direction from our planet.

observable universe

Low boiling points

Low melting points

Cryogenics is the study and application of materials at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150 degrees Celsius, to observe and utilize unique physical properties that emerge at these temperatures. This field has significant applications in various industries, including medicine, space exploration, and superconductivity, by enabling technologies such as cryopreservation, cryosurgery, and the creation of superconducting materials.

cryogenics

Inertness refers to the lack of reactivity of a substance, indicating its resistance to engage in chemical reactions under standard conditions. This property is significant in various fields, such as chemistry and materials science, where inert substances are used to prevent unwanted reactions and ensure stability in reactive environments.

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons