Helium

Helium is known for its unique properties including its low density and non-reactivity. It was first discovered in 1868 by French astronomer Jules Janssen and British astronomer Joseph Norman Lockyer, who observed a yellow spectral line in the light of the sun during a solar eclipse.

Atomic Number	2
Electron Configuration
Electrons Per Shell	2

You will note that there is no bond length listed above. This is because the 1s shell can only hold a maximum of two electrons. Thus, He is stable entirely on its own without any bonding and exists naturally in this way. Two He atoms will generally find thtemselves approximately 50 Å apart. At the atomic scale, this is a significant distance!

One of the most common uses of helium is for balloons and blimps, due to its low density and ability to make objects lighter than air. It’s also used in a variety of scientific and industrial applications, including cooling MRI machines, welding, and as a coolant in nuclear reactors.

Helium exists in two forms: Helium-4, which is the most common isotope and makes up almost all natural helium, and Helium-3, which is much rarer and is used in a variety of scientific applications. Helium-4 is also used in cryogenics and as a cooling agent for rocket fuel.

Want to learn about other elements? Visit our page on the Periodic Table here!

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