Helium is a versatile chemical element with a range of important uses across different industries. With an atomic number of 2 and represented by the symbol He, Helium is a noble or inert gas known for its colorless, odorless, and non-toxic properties.
One of the key properties of helium is its highly unreactive nature, which is due to its full outer electron shell. As a result, helium doesn't readily combine with other elements and compounds, making it highly useful in a range of applications.
For starters, helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, accounting for around 24% of the mass in our galaxy. The majority of helium is produced by nuclear fusion in stars, where it forms an important component of both the sun and other stars.
Here are some of the key uses of helium in different industries:
Medical Industry:
In the medical industry, helium is used for its cooling and refrigeration properties. Liquid helium is used to cool MRI magnets in hospitals, which helps produce detailed images of the body's tissues and organs. It is also used to fill breathing mixtures for deep-sea divers and in medical equipment such as cryotherapy machines.
Aerospace Industry:
In the aerospace industry, helium is used to purge rocket engines and fuel tanks, as well as in the production of satellites, missiles, and aircraft. It is also used to pressurize gas tanks and as a lifting gas for balloons and airships.
Industrial Applications:
Helium is used to cool superconducting magnets and to prevent oxidation in welding and metal fabrication processes. It is also used in leak detection applications, as it can penetrate small crevices and be detected with sensitive equipment.
Entertainment Industry:
Perhaps the most famous use of helium is in balloons and party decorations. Helium is widely used to inflate balloons, where it is preferred over other gases such as hydrogen due to its non-flammability and safe properties. It is also used in the creation of special effects in movies and television.
While helium has a range of important uses, it is a finite resource and its global supply is limited. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the depletion of helium reserves and the need to conserve supplies.
In conclusion, helium is a valuable and highly versatile chemical element with a range of important uses across different industries. Its inert and non-toxic properties make it highly useful for cooling and refrigeration, pressurization, welding, leak detection, and entertainment purposes. However, it is important to conserve and protect helium reserves to ensure continued access to this vital resource for future generations. Remember, the atomic number of helium is 2!