Facts about the
Definition of the Element Helium
The Element Helium is defined as...
A colorless, odorless, inert gaseous element constituting
approximately one percent of Earth's atmosphere, from which it is
commercially obtained by fractionation for use in electric light
bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and radio vacuum tubes and as an inert
gas shield in arc welding.
Interesting Facts
about the Origin and Meaning of the element name Helium
What are the origins of the word Helium ?
The name originates from the Greek word 'helios' meaning the sun.
Facts about the
Classification of the Element Helium
Helium is classified as an element in the 'Noble Gases' section
which can be located in group 18 of the Periodic Table.
Brief Facts about the
Discovery and History of the Element Helium
Helium was first detected during a solar eclipse in 1868 as a
bright yellow line in the spectrum of the chromosphere of the Sun,
by French astronomer Pierre Janssen . It was discovered by Sir
William Ramsey in 1895. Norman Lockyer and English chemist Edward
Frankland named the element.
Occurrence of the
element Helium in
the Atmosphere
Helium exists only as a monatomic gas
Common Uses of Helium Component of artificial
atmospheres and laser media
Refrigerant
Lifting gas for balloons
Superfluid in cryogenic research
Deep sea diving
Helium balloons, tanks, neon laser
The Properties of the Element Helium
Name of Element : Helium
Symbol of Element : He
Atomic Number of Helium : 2
Atomic Mass: 4.002602 amu
Melting Point: -272.0 °C - 1.15 °K
Boiling Point: -268.6 °C - 4.549994 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Helium : 2
Number of Neutrons in Helium : 2
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Density @ 293 K: 0.1785 g/cm3
Color of Helium : colorless
The element Helium and the Periodic Table
Find out more facts about Helium on the Periodic Table which
arranges every chemical element according to its atomic number, as
based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar
properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to
use - just click on the symbol for Helium for additional facts and
info and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting
Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc of Helium with any other
element. An invaluable source for more interesting facts and
information about the Helium element and as a Chemistry reference
guide.
Facts and Info about
the element Argon - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the
International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985
which includes the Helium element. The famous Russian Scientist,
Dimitri Mendeleev, perceived the correct classification method of
"the periodic table" for the 65 elements which were known in his
time. Helium was first detected by French astronomer Pierre
Janssen . It was discovered by Sir William Ramsey in 1895. Norman
Lockyer and English chemist Edward Frankland named the element. The Standardised Periodic Table now recognises more periods
and elements than Dimitri Mendeleev knew in his day but still all
fitting into his concept of the "Periodic Table" in which
Helium is
just one element that can be found.
