Helium and Helium Atoms

**Symbol:** He **Atomic number:** 2 **International name:** Helium **Relative Atomic Weight:** 4.003 **Description:** Helium is a colorless, lightweight, tasteless and odorless monoatomic gas. It has the lowest melting and boiling points among all known elements. Helium is chemically inert and non-reactive, making it highly stable. In its liquid state, it exhibits unique properties such as superconductivity (allowing efficient electrical conduction) and superfluidity (characterized by extremely low viscosity). Helium is classified as a non-metal. **Applications:** Helium is used to fill balloons and airships and is also a component in lamps and laser tubes, typically in combination with other noble gases. Liquid helium serves as a refrigerant in cryogenic applications. In the food industry, it is used as a packaging gas (E939). **Occurrence:** On Earth, helium is rare, primarily found in the upper atmosphere. In contrast, it is the second most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen.