Helium (He): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Helium is element 2 on the periodic table, a noble gas, so it is a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a gas. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DHelium quick facts
| Atomic number | 2 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | He |
| Atomic mass | 4.003 |
| Category | Noble Gas |
| Group and period | Group 18, period 1 |
| Block | s-block |
| State at room temperature | Gas |
| Electron configuration | 1s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2 |
| Discovered | 1868, Janssen & Lockyer |
What is helium used for?
- MRI scanner superconducting magnets
- Deep-sea diving gas mixtures
- Party & weather balloons
Interesting facts about helium
- Second most abundant element in the universe but rare on Earth
- The only element that stays liquid all the way to absolute zero at normal pressure
- First seen in the Sun's spectrum in 1868. Ramsay isolated it on Earth 27 years later
Helium was discovered in 1868 by Janssen & Lockyer in France and Britain.
Where helium sits on the periodic table
Helium is in group 18, period 1. Tap any element to open its page.
Other noble gass
Helium questions
What is the atomic number of helium?
Helium has atomic number 2, so every helium atom has 2 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is He and its atomic mass is 4.003.
Is helium a metal?
Helium is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a noble gas, found in group 18, period 1.
What is the electron configuration of helium?
The electron configuration of helium is 1s². Its electrons sit in 1 shell: 2.
What is helium used for?
Helium is used for mri scanner superconducting magnets, deep-sea diving gas mixtures and party & weather balloons.
Who discovered helium?
Helium was discovered in 1868 by Janssen & Lockyer in France and Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.