helium
Definition
Helium is the second lightest element in the universe, after hydrogen. It is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is non-flammable and non-toxic. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen, and it makes up about 24% of the sun's atmosphere.
Helium is a noble gas, which means that it does not react with other elements. This makes it an ideal gas for use in balloons, cryogenics, and other applications where it is important to avoid chemical reactions.
Helium is extracted from natural gas, and it is a relatively rare gas on Earth. However, it is abundant in the universe, and it is thought to be the second most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere.
Helium has a number of unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. It is the lightest gas, which makes it ideal for filling balloons and airships. It is also non-flammable and non-toxic, which makes it safe to use in a variety of applications. Helium is also a very good conductor of heat, which makes it useful in cryogenics.
How can the word be used?
Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe.
Different forms of the word
Noun: helium.
Adjective: helium.
Adverb: heliumically.
Verb: heliumize.
Etymology
The word "helium" comes from the Greek word "helios", which means "sun". It was first used in 1868 by the English astronomer Norman Lockyer. Lockyer was studying the spectrum of the sun when he discovered a new line that he could not identify with any known element. He named the element helium after the Greek word for sun.
Question
What is helium?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the properties and applications of helium gas, emphasizing the unique characteristics that make it valuable for various scientific, medical, and technological uses.
Answer:
Helium is a colourless, odourless, and inert gas with remarkable properties that make it indispensable for a range of applications. Its low density and high thermal conductivity have led to its use in cryogenic applications, such as cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines and particle accelerators. Helium's extremely cold temperatures are essential for achieving and maintaining these advanced technologies.
Moreover, helium's buoyant nature makes it useful for filling balloons and airships, as it is lighter than air. This property ensures their safe and controlled flight. Helium is also used in deep-sea diving to dilute breathing gases, reducing the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness.
In the field of space exploration, helium is employed to pressurise and purge fuel tanks in rockets. Its stability and non-reactive properties prevent unintended reactions with volatile fuels.
In the medical sector, helium-oxygen mixtures, or heliox, aid in the treatment of respiratory conditions by improving gas exchange in the lungs.
In summary, helium's unique properties, including its low density, high thermal conductivity, and inert nature, have led to diverse applications in scientific research, medical treatment, and technological advancement. Its crucial role in various cutting-edge fields underscores its significance as a valuable resource.