Essential Properties & Characteristics
What is Heliums symbol
He
Who discovered Helium?
Helium was discovered by French astronomer Jules Janssen
Is Helium very rare or is it easy to find?
Helium is abundant in the universe but relatively rare and difficult to find on Earth
Why is helium used for balloons?
Because it's much lighter than air, so it naturally floats up
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When was Helium discovered?
1868
How is Helium found in nature?
Helium is found in nature as a pure, unbonded noble gas, trapped underground in natural gas deposits
What's a big medical use for helium?
Cooling the powerful magnets in MRI machines to get clear internal body images
What is the element’s state of matter at room temperature?
Gas
What is Helium named after?
Helium is named after the Greek sun god, Helious
Where can you find Helium?
You find helium underground, trapped with natural gas deposits
Does helium have a natural job in our bodies?
No, helium has no known natural biological role, but its small size and low density are helpful for medical treatments.
What is the density of Helium?
Very low (lighter then air)
When was Helium first used in balloons?
Where is the most Helium in the universe?
In stars
Can we replace liquid helium in MRI?
No we can't.
Why was helium discovered on the Sun before Earth?
Helium was discovered on the Sun first because it's incredibly abundant there
What is Heliums general appearance?
Helium is an odorless, nontoxic, colorless, tasteless gas
What's something very surprising helium is in?
MRI magnets, fiber optics, as well as in deep-sea diving mixes and rocket fuel system
Why is helium important for technology (like MRI scanners)?
Its extremely low boiling point makes it ideal for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines, as it stays liquid at very cold temperatures.
How does it help people with breathing problems (like asthma)?
It's mixed with oxygen (Heliox) to make a lighter gas that flows into the lungs faster, reducing the work of breathing.
Why doesn't helium freeze at standard pressure, unlike other elements?
Its two electrons completely fill its outer shell, making it extremely stable (a noble gas) with very weak interatomic forces (Van der Waals), requiring immense pressure or extreme cold to liquefy, and it won't freeze even then.