SIMPLE SCIENCE
What about Helium?
Helium is the second element in the periodic table, and is the second most abundant in the universe. It has two electrons, two protons and two neutrons, and it is in the group of elements called noble gases since it has its last valence layer with its complete pair of electrons. He is an inert gas, this means that in normal conditions it does not react and like noble gases it is mono-atomic that has no smell, color or taste. This element is the one that has the record of having the lowest boiling point of all the elements, we already know that this element is the second most abundant in the universe and in our planet you can find deposits of this gas in vaults where it is trapped and can be exploited, for filling balloons, as a refrigerating liquid in super-conductive materials and for diving.[1]
What is the purpose of Helium?
It is well known that helium is used to fill balloons, but why can balloons rise in the air? Because of its density, helium gas is much lighter in density than air and because of this, just as plastic can float on water, helium can float in air. But this gas has many more uses, such as in aerospace use, satellite maintenance, and engine cleaning.[1-2] Here are some other uses for helium:
• In the microscopes and radiation meters
• In rocket maintenance, cleaning and leak detection.
• For diving, since it is a light gas in combination with oxygen it can give the diver the possibility to maintain the vital signs in acceptable conditions in high depths.
• In some cases for lighting and light bulbs, as it reacts to electric current in this way.
Did you know that Helium has two isotopes?
Helium has two known isotopes, which are: 4He (Helium 4) and 3He (Helium 3). The 4He is the most abundant isotope on Earth and has in its nucleus 2 protons and 2 neutrons, this isotope is considered the most stable of the Helium and this exceptional stability of its nucleus makes it the final state of heavy nucleus disintegration, called this Alpha disintegration, being this the most stable nucleus and in this way the great majority of the Helium on our planet has been obtained. The 3He, is an isotope almost inexistent on Earth, it is much more abundant in the stars, but this one is almost not found in our planet; it has only 1 neutron in its nucleus and it is not radioactive. There are other isotopes of Helium but they are artificially created, besides being radioactive.[1-3-4]
Curiosities about Helium
Given its very low density, sound travels three times faster in helium than in air. Have you ever wondered, why by inhaling helium your voice becomes higher? Well, because of its density as well, by having a much lighter air, the resonance frequencies of the vocal cords increase having that all so peculiar and sharp that many people use to make their voice more graceful.[3]
Other uses of Helium.
Helium is an inert gas, this means that it is not reactive in normal conditions, but under controlled and artificial experiments it has been possible to make it react with He, making it react with tungsten, iodine, fluorine and phosphorus, when it is subjected to a luminescent electric discharge, a bombardment of electrons or plasma. [2-3]
Helium is also used to fill airships and for meteorological balloons, which are charged with a quantity of this gas and launched into the atmosphere for meteorological scientific purposes[3]
In the sources area I will leave you more information to enrich your reading.
Disturbing note about Helium.
Although Helium is an inert and non-toxic gas for the human being; inhaling Helium in a very abundant form can cause asphyxiation, displacing all the oxygen of the lungs causing death. It is not alarming, but already deaths have been registered by the excessive consumption of this gas.
Recommendations.
If you are going to play with helium, do it in a responsible and friendly way because this gas will be very friendly to you and unlike hydrogen, helium is not a flammable gas.
| Sources | Link |
|---|---|
| 1 | Helium chemical element |
| 2 | Helium curiosities and characteristics |
| 3 | Chemical properties of Helium |
| 4 | Helium Isotopes |
| 5 | Helium Gas |
| 6 | What is the use of Helium |
| 7 | Helium general aspects |