Helium is an inert gas element in group 18 of the periodic table. It is the second element after light hydrogen after hydrogen and is characterized by its colorlessness, odor, and taste. The natural atmospheric pressure associated with a temperature of about 272 ° C turns it into a solid-state, which also has a lower boiling and freezing point compared to other elements.
Helium Formula
symbol:
Atomic mass: 4.002602 u
Atomic number: 2
Electronic configuration: 1s2
Boiling point: -268.9 ° C
Find him
It was discovered by French scientist Pierre Jansen in 1868. The discovery was related to the existence of helium on the surface of the sun instead of the earth but did not realize what this special element was. Finally, research and studies finally reached William in 1895 · Sir Ramsay to determine his identity. Meanwhile, Niels Langlet and Theodore Cliff reached the same conclusion. chemistry analysis
That's why there is no known helium-containing compound because it is a gaseous element and because its atmospheric content does not exceed 0.0005%, it is filtered in a space far from the air. atmosphere. The gravity of the earth is not controlled by the lack of helium, which can be compensated by the decomposition of radioactive elements in the crust. The alpha molecules produced by the decomposition of these elements combine with two electrons and form helium again.
The use of helium varies as follows:
It is used as a cooling medium for superconducting magnets in magnetic scanners, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cooling of space instruments.
It is used in aviation because it can reduce pressure, especially in missiles.
It prevents oxidation, unlike gaseous oxygen, which reacts with metals to cause oxidation.
Can be used to inflate a car balloon when an accident occurs due to rapid spread.
It is considered to be a non-flammable gas, and it is its power to use hydrogen instead of hydrogen to explode the balloon.
It is used to fill balloons and decorative balloons, depending on their low density.
It is mixed with oxygen to promote breathing in asthma patients.
Modern microscopes with helium ions have been produced that can provide more accurate images of electron microscopes.
This gas is used in deep cooling technology, the most important of which is the cooling of MRI-based imaging equipment.
For leak detection, for example in automotive packaging systems.
A mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen is designed for use by divers and others working under pressure.
Properties of Helium
It belongs to the rare gas element in the periodic table and is the second most abundant element in the universe. It is also the second simplest chemical element, and its atoms consist of two protons, two neutrons and two electrons, a colorless gas, taste and smell. It is a low-density, non-flammable gas and an inert gas that does not react with any other chemical elements.