Helium

DiscoveryHelium was named after the sun god, Helios. When it was detected, it was found as an unknown yellow spectoral line in a sunlight eclipse in 1868. This was discovered by French astronomer, Jules Janssen and from Britain, Lockyer observed.

FactsHelium is a noble or inert gas. Helium is 2nd the most abundant element in the universe.

by Piper Higgins

Properties Helium in it's usual phase: a gas, with the density of 0.1786 g/L. At Helium's boiling point of 4.2 degrees Kelvin, in liquid it has the density of 0.125 g/mL.

The formal discovery of the element Helium It made by two Swedish chemists by the names of Cleve and Langlet. They found helium in a uranium ore in 1895. Most of the helium found was found in natural gas fields.

More PropertiesThe melting point of helium is minus 272.2 degrees Celsius. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal.

Helium is mainly used to cool superconducting magnets in MRI scanners. Helium fills blimps, floats balloons, and even reduces distortion in telescope lenses.

Helium has the lowest melting and boiling points of any element. Helium is also odorless, tasteless, and has no color.

Fun FactsIn 1928 helium became available on the open market for the first time. Helium is constantly being produced at the internal cores of stars.

PropertiesAtomic number/2Atomic weight/4.002602Atomic symbol/He