Image by Jurii
Helium is the chemical element with atomic number 2 and is represented by the symbol “He”. It has two protons and two neutrons in its nucleus and two electrons in it’s outer shell.
It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-toxic gas and is one of the noble (or inert) gases. This means it is highly unreactive as its outer electron shell is full. Its boiling and melting points are the lowest among the elements and it exists only as a gas except in extreme conditions. Next to hydrogen, it is the second most abundant element in the Universe. In our galaxy it accounts for 24% of the mass.
Helium is available in pressurised tanks and is nowadays used to fill balloons. While it is heavier than hydrogen, it is far safer as helium does not burn.