Helium (He) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Helium is a chemical element with symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert, monatomic gas that heads the noble gas group in the periodic table. Its boiling and melting points are the lowest among all the elements.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Helium is 1s2, with electron shells of 2.
Physical and chemical properties
Helium is classified as a noble gas. It has an atomic mass of 4.003 and exists as a gas at standard conditions, appearing as colorless gas, exhibiting a red-orange glow when placed in a high-voltage electric field.
Real-world uses of Helium
As a noble gas, Helium is chemically inert and is primarily used in lighting, insulation, or specialized industrial and scientific applications.
Interesting facts about Helium
- Helium has the atomic number 2 and chemical symbol He.
- It belongs to period 1, group 18 of the periodic table.
- Helium was discovered by Pierre Janssen.
Explore Helium interactively
Want to compare Helium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on He to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Helium used for?
As a noble gas, Helium is chemically inert and is primarily used in lighting, insulation, or specialized industrial and scientific applications.
What is the atomic number of Helium?
The atomic number of Helium is 2, meaning it has 2 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Helium?
The electron configuration of Helium is 1s2.
Is Helium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Helium is classified as a noble gas.