Helium Research Paper

Words: 753
Pages: 4

Helium is a chemical element, withholding the second positon on the periodic table with the atomic number of 2. It makes up 35% of our universe but is rarely found in its pure form on our planet earth, and was the first element to be discovered outside of our planet when spectators where looking up at the sun and observed a bright coloured line surrounding it, which we now know was helium producing light due to its excited state. This is how the name ‘helium’ was created, from the greek word ‘helios’ standing for sun. It is a noble gas as it dosent chemically interact with other elements and in a natural state dosent have any properties.What is the story behind the discovery of a selected material or chemical and why is it important?
Helium was the first element to be discovered outside of our planet when spectators were looking up at the sun and observed a bright coloured line surrounding it, which we now know was helium producing light due to its excited state. This is how the name ‘helium’ was created, from the greek word ‘helios’ standing for sun.Then in the beginning of the 20th century helium was discovered on earth as an off put of radioactive material such as uranium.
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Inhaling helium can be dangerous if done to excess, since helium is a simple asphyxiant and so displaces oxygen needed for normal respiration. inhaling helium directly from pressurized cylinders or even balloons is extremely dangerous, as high flow and pressure can result in 'barotrauma', fatally breaking down lung tissue.
Death caused by helium is rare.
The safety issues for helium are similar to those of liquid nitrogen; its extremely low temperatures can result in cold burns. Containers of helium gas should be handled as if they contain liquid helium due to the rapid and significant thermal expansion that occurs when helium gas is warmed to room