What does helium element look like?
helium (He), chemical element, inert gas of Group 18 (noble gases) of the periodic table. The second lightest element (only hydrogen is lighter), helium is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that becomes liquid at −268.9 °C (−452 °F).
What is the structure of the element helium?
Helium is composed of two electrons in atomic orbitals surrounding a nucleus containing two protons and (usually) two neutrons.
How many shells are in helium?
Helium only has one atomic shell, which fills up when it has two electrons.
Is helium transparent or translucent?
Helium is seen on earth as a colorless and odorless gas. It is the clearest element, and even in a liquid state (which can only be achieved by either applying great pressure or extreme cold) it is almost completely transparent. However, in a plasma state (see below,) it emits a pinkish glow.
Where is helium naturally found?
Where on earth is helium found? Wherever large deposits of uranium are located, Helium will also be found. Most of the world’s Helium comes as a byproduct of decaying uranium and fossil fuels. Today, the world’s Helium supply relies on reserves in the United States, the Middle East, Russia and North Africa.
How is helium formed in the earth’s crust?
Helium is continuously produced through radioactive decays in the crust, and it is also found in lava and gas plumes originating from the mantle [1]. This mantle helium bears signatures showing that it was present when the Earth formed.
Why is helium in column 18?
The reason of keeping helium in group 18 is that it shows properties similar to noble gases. It can only hold 2 electrons in its outer most shell. Group 18 are “happy” because they all have full outer shells.
Does helium have a color?
Similar to hydrogen (H), helium is usually found as a gas and has no color or smell. Helium is found everywhere in the Universe and is the second most common element, just behind hydrogen.