Noble Gas Elements

Noble Gases

• helium
• neon
• argon
• krypton
• xenon
• radon

Interesting Facts

• Noble gases are generally inert, meaning they don't interact with other elements.
• Noble gases are extremely rare in nature.
• Only helium and neon are truly inert; the other noble gases will react with other elements under very specific conditions.

Practical Uses

• Argon is used in the process of arc welding.
• Helium is used in deep sea diving to dilute the oxygen in gas tanks.
• Neon is used in sign tubing because it glows red when hit with electric current.

Helium

Properties

• Helium is colorless in appearance and is odorless.
• The solid state structure of helium is body-centered cubic

Helium

• Atomic Number: 2
• Relative Atomic Mass: 4.002602
• Classification: Non-metallic
• Helium is less dense than water so it would float.

Where helium is found

• Helium was discovered on the Sun before it was found on Earth.
• Helium is abundant in the Universe, but is rare on Earth.
• On Earth, most of the helium found is the result of radioactive decay.
• Helium is also a minor component in some sources of natural gas.

Fun Facts

• Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe.
• Helium is used as a cooling medium for nuclear reactors.
• Helium is used to inflate tires, weather balloons and blimps.

History

• Helium was discovered by Sir William Ramsey in 1895 in London, England.
• The name helium was derived from "helios" or the Greek word for sun.