Helium Uses

The second most abundant element in the world, the atomic number and weight of helium are 2 and 4.002 respectively. Helium is an inert gas which doesn't have a color, taste or odor; the element is non-toxic. The name of the gas helium is derived from a Greek word, 'helios' which is used to denote the Sun. Helium is inert and unable to react with other elements. However, breakdown of radioactive elements present in some minerals produces helium. Let us have a look at what are some common uses of helium.

Uses of Helium

The uses of helium in everyday life and those found in scientific applications are presented through the following points.

• The element, helium is used in cryogenics. The science of cryogenics (behavioral study of elements at very low temperature) utilizes maximum portion of helium that is being produced commercially. Out of the total helium production, around 25% is used in cryogenics.
• In the process of arc welding, helium gas is used to create a protective atmosphere. The gas is used for similar purposes in the production of silicon, germanium, zirconium and titanium.
• Superconduction magnets, the electromagnets made from superconducting wires need cooling during their operation. Helium is used to cool these magnets.
• Applications of helium can also be found in nuclear medicine. The liquid helium uses and applications can be found in medical instrumentation.
• Chronic and acute forms of respiratory diseases can be treated with the help of helium. For such treatments, mixture of helium and oxygen is used. The advantage of using helium mixed oxygen is that the mixture travels to lungs at low pressure.
• The MRI scanning technology makes use of helium in its liquid form. The low boiling point of helium (-269° C) allows its use in the process of cooling down the MRI magnets.
• Another medical application of helium can be found in the process of observing breathing. It is helpful in the treatment of diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and asthma, where lungs are obstructed due to scarring, inflammation, mucous build up, etc.
• Mixture of helium and oxygen is used by divers. The mixture helps in creating an artificial atmosphere and the divers can survive under a high pressure condition. Caisson workers too make use of helium gas.
• We know that hydrogen is commonly used to fill air balloons. Using helium can be however, much safer for this purpose. Helium can also be used as a fuel in light-weight aircraft.
• An interesting application of helium can be seen in changing human voice. Even a small amount of helium gas alters human voice to some extent.

Facts About Helium

After understanding the uses of helium, let us have a look at some of the facts about this element.

• It is believed that the most amount of helium which is found in the universe is of the 'Helium-4' type. Helium is said to have formed during the 'Big Bang'.
• Helium which is second in terms of abundance, is also the second lightest element followed by hydrogen.
• Helium was first observed in the bright yellow line of Sun's chromosphere on 18th August, 1868.
• Since the helium element has valence zero, it doesn't react with other elements in its vicinity. Hence, it is also known as inert or non-reactive.

The helium uses enlisted above present before us interesting facts about this inert element. One can get more information about helium by studying further. This is just a snapshot of the different features of helium.