Helium is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert gas. Helium is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the observable universe, being present at about 24% of the total elemental mass, which is more than 12 times the mass of all the heavier elements combined.
Properties of Helium
Helium is unique in that it exists as a gas at standard temperature and pressure, whereas most other elements are found in a solid or liquid state. Some key properties of helium include:
Helium has several important uses and applications, including:
Balloon Inflation: Helium is commonly used to fill balloons, as it is lighter than air and does not burn or react with other chemicals.
Cryogenics: Helium is used as a coolant in various applications, including in the cooling of superconducting magnets in MRI machines and other medical equipment.
Aerospace: Helium is used in the aerospace industry to pressurize and purge fuel and oxidizer systems in rockets and spacecraft.
Diving: Helium is mixed with oxygen for deep-sea diving to prevent the adverse effects of nitrogen narcosis.
Welding: Helium is used as a shielding gas in arc welding processes to prevent contamination of the weld area.
Study Guide
To study the topic of helium, consider the following key points:
What are the physical properties of helium at standard temperature and pressure?
What are the main uses of helium in various industries and applications?
How is helium obtained and processed for commercial and industrial use?
What are the unique characteristics of helium that make it valuable for specific purposes?
Additionally, consider conducting experiments or research on the behavior of helium gas, its interaction with other elements, and its role in various scientific and industrial processes.
Understanding the properties, uses, and applications of helium is essential for comprehending its significance in both scientific and everyday contexts.
Physics: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the interactions of matter and energy and the energy transformations that occur
Electricity and Magnetism: Cite evidence supporting that electrical energy can be produced from a variety of energy sources and can itself be transformed into almost any other form of energy.
Research and identify various energy sources and the energy transforming devices used to produce electrical energy: Wind (generators, wind mills); Sun (solar cells); Water (turbines); Fossil fuels (engines).
Cite examples that demonstrate the transformation of electrical energy into other forms of energy.
Electricity and Magnetism: Identify and describe magnetic fields and their relationship to electric current.
Describe how the electromagnet demonstrates the relationship of magnetism and electricity and identify common devices that demonstrate application of this relationship: Electric motors (fans, hair dryers, can openers); Electrical generators (turbine).