Mrs. Ahng
The second lightest element on Earth, Helium is one of the most important elements in our universe. It is the reason that we have sunlight, it makes balloons float, and used to cool down nuclear reactors. Although it is a simple noble gas with only two protons and two electrons, it is a powerful and essential resource. Discovered in1868 by astronomer Pierre Janssen while studying a solar eclipse; he noticed a yellow line around sun that had a wavelength that he had not seen before. English Astronomer Sir Norman Lockyer later named the element after the Greek word “Helios”, making the connection to how it was discovered. Helium only makes ups less than 1% of Earth’s atmosphere because of how light it is. It’s atomic mass is only 4.003, so the surrounding air is heavier than helium. An example of the difference in mass can be seen when comparing a helium filled balloon to a balloon filled with a mixture of atmospheric gases. The mass of the mixture is much heavier, and therefore is more effected by gravitational pull. Helium is found mostly in space in the core of stars, but it was also found on Earth in 1895 trapped underground. Scientists believe that the Helium that we harvest today was created during the creation of the universe, or the “Big Bang”. Only two electrons energize one orbital for this element, giving us the popular image for all atoms. With the outer orbital shell full, the element is referred to as inert and nonreactive. On Earth, this gas is used in a variety of ways. Scuba divers mix oxygen with helium in their tanks to make it easier to breath in deep water dives. Scientists use the element with nuclear reactors and rocket engines as a coolant. The most familiar use though is to make balloons “float” in the air. Without helium, stars would not shine, balloons would not float, and we would have to find another way to generate energy in a safe way. This element was a stellar find, and a crucial resource. Cites/Sources: https://www.reference.com/science/helium-obtained-e087607da2e8349b https://www.ducksters.com/science/chemistry/helium.php http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/2/helium https://www.webelements.com/helium/