Frequently Asked Questions about Helium
What is the atomic number of helium?
Helium has an atomic number of 2, meaning each atom contains 2 protons in its nucleus.
What is the atomic mass of helium?
The standard atomic weight of helium is 4.0026 u (unified atomic mass units).
What category does helium belong to?
Helium is classified as a noble gas.
What is the state of helium at room temperature?
Helium is a gas at 20 °C (68 °F).
What is the boiling point of helium?
The boiling point of helium is -268.93 °C / 4.222 K.
What is the density of helium?
The density of helium is 1.64e-4 g/cm³ (20°C).
What is the electron configuration of helium?
The electron configuration of helium is 1s2.
When was helium discovered?
Helium was discovered in 1895 by Sir William Ramsay; independently by Per Teodor Cleve and Nils Abraham Langlet.
Is helium radioactive?
Helium is a stable element with no naturally occurring radioactive isotopes.
What is the biological role of helium?
No known biological role. Non-toxic.
What are the common uses of helium?
Helium is used for: MRI cooling; NMR spectrometers; Balloons and airships; Arc welding; Deep-sea breathing mixtures.
