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Atomic Profile

Helium (He)

Discover properties, shell configurations, industrial applications, compounds, and historical occurrences of the Helium element.

2He4.0026

Physical Properties

Melting Point-272.2 °C (at 26 atm)
Boiling Point-268.93 °C
Density0.1786 g/L
Electronegativityno data
Group / PeriodGroup 18, Period 1
Electronic Config1s²
Bohr Shells2

Bohr Electron Model

Visualizing the concentric Bohr orbits and energy level shells for Helium.

+2
Shell 1: 2e⁻

Origin & Abundance

Discovery Details

Discovered by Pierre Janssen & Norman Lockyer in the year 1868.

Natural Occurrence

Second most abundant element in the universe. Extracted from natural gas reserves on Earth.

Common Uses & Applications

  • Cooling superconducting magnets in MRI scanners
  • Filling weather and party balloons
  • Pressurizing rocket liquid fuels
  • Deep-sea diving gas mixtures

Common Chemical Compounds

Below are typical molecular compounds formed by Helium interacting with other elements:

None (Highly inert noble gas)

Element Concept Check

Why does Helium not form chemical compounds under standard conditions?

Video Lectures & Fact Files

Watch educational lectures detailing the chemical extraction and molecular spectrums of Helium.
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