The Element Helium


Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe and is believed to be a production of the Big Bang. In the universe, helium is created as a result of nuclear fusion of hydrogen in stars. On Earth, this element is rare and naturally created only as radioactive decay of other elements. Helium is commercially extracted from natural gas concentrations using a low temperature separation process.

Since helium is lighter than air, balloons and airships are inflated for lifting. For its low solubility in nervous tissue, helium mixtures are used for deep diving to reduce the effect of narcosis.

Atomic Number & Chemical Properties


Element Basics:

Chemical Symbol: He
Atomic Number: 2
Atomic Weight: 4.002602
Element Classification: Inert Gas
Discovered By: Sir William Ramsey, Nils Langet, P.T.Cleve
Date of Discovery: 1895 (Scotland/Sweden)
Origin of Name: Greek: helios (sun).

How to Recognize it at a Party:

Inert, colorless, odorless, tasteless gas

Seriously Atomic Information:

Density (g/cc): 0.147 (@ -270°C)
Melting Point (°K): 0.95
Boiling Point (°K): 4.216
Atomic Radius (pm): 0.0
Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 31.8
Covalent Radius (pm): n/a
Ionic Radius: 93
Pauling Negativity Number: n/a
First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 2361.3
Oxidation States: n/a
Electronic Configuration: 1s2

Getting Intimate with Helium:

Lattice Structure: Hexagonal (HEX)
Lattice Constant (Å): 3.570
Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.633
Specific Heat (@20°C J/g mol): 5.188
Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): n/a
Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 0.08
Thermal Conductivity (@25°C W/m K):
Debye Temperature (°K): n/a


Society's Questions About Helium:

Have you ever wondered what everyone else in the world thinks about Helium? Is anyone else looking for it too? If so, why? What do they want?

The following list shows the most common online questions about the element Helium. Are your questions the same or different from everyone else's?

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