2
He
Helium
4.0026022

Helium (He)

Noble GasGroup 18Period 1s-block-block

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.

Latin name: Helium

Atomic Number
2
Atomic Mass
4.0026022 g/mol
Phase (STP)
Gas
Electron Config.
1s²

General

SymbolHe
Atomic Number2
Atomic Mass4.0026022 g/mol
CategoryNoble Gas
Group18
Period1
Blocks-block
Electron Configuration1s²
Valence Electrons2
ColourColorless
Appearancecolorless gas, exhibiting a red-orange glow when placed in a high-voltage electric field
CAS NumberCAS7440-59-7

Physical Properties

Phase (STP)Gas
Density0.0001786 g/cm³
Melting Point-272.20°C · -457.96°F · 0.95 K
Boiling Point-268.93°C · -452.07°F · 4.22 K

Atomic Properties

Atomic Radius31 pm
Ionization Energy2372 kJ/mol

Electromagnetic

Electrical TypeInsulator

Abundance

In Universe23.0000%
In Sun23.0000%
In Earth's Crust0.000055%
In Oceans0.0000000007%
In Humans0%
In Meteorites0.0001%

Discovery & History

Discovery Year1868
Discovered ByPierre Janssen

Isotopes of Helium

IsotopeAbundanceHalf-lifeDecay
He-30.000134%Stable
He-499.999866%Stable

External References

← 1 Hydrogen3 Lithium →