What is Helium?
Helium is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert gas that heads the rare gas series in the periodic table. Its boiling and melting points are among the lowest of all the elements and it exists only as a gas except in extreme conditions.
Discovery of Helium
Helium was discovered in 1868 by French astronomer Jules Janssen, who noticed a yellow spectral line while observing a solar eclipse with a spectroscope. Later that year, English astronomer Joseph Norman Lockyer also observed the spectral line and suggested that it was caused by a new element, which he named helium after the Greek god of the sun, Helios.
Properties of Helium
Helium is the second-lightest element and is lighter than air, which makes it useful for many applications. It is stable and does not react with most other elements, which makes it ideal for use in balloons, blimps, and airships. Helium is also used in welding and cutting metals, as a cooling medium for nuclear reactors, and as a cryogenic coolant for MRI machines and other scientific equipment.
Uses of Helium
One of the most common uses of helium is as a lifting gas for balloons and blimps. Because helium is so much lighter than air, it can make objects float. Helium is also used as a coolant for nuclear reactors because of its inert properties and low boiling point. In addition, helium is used as a gas shield during welding, which helps prevent oxidation and contamination of the weld.
Another important use of helium is in medical technology. Helium is used as a cryogenic coolant for MRI machines, which provide doctors with detailed images of internal organs and tissues. Helium is also used in medicine to treat breathing disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Future of Helium
Although helium is the second most abundant element in the known universe, it is actually very rare on Earth. As a result, there is concern that we may eventually run out of this important element. Scientists are exploring ways to extract helium from natural gas more efficiently and to find new sources of helium. In addition, some researchers are experimenting with new technologies that could reduce our dependence on helium in certain applications.
In conclusion, helium is an important element with a wide range of practical applications, from lifting balloons to cooling nuclear reactors and helping doctors diagnose medical conditions. As our understanding of this element continues to evolve, we may find even more uses for helium in the future.