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Fun Facts About Helium

Updated on January 14, 2009

Helium is a colorless, odourless and tasteless gas. It also makes up a small amount of the air we breath. It originates from the Greek word "helios" meaning the sun. Helium is used for such things as ballons, laser media, a refrigerant and in research.

  • -discovered by Sir William Ramsay in London
  • -it was thought to be a medal
  • -independently by P.T. Cleve and N.A. Langlet of Sweden in 1895
  • -called the "Noble Gas"
  • -one quarter of the universe is made up of helium atoms
  • -helium is used to treat asthma
  • -helium is an important element
  • -it is formed underground
  • -most abundant element
  • -reserves have been built up for billions of years
  • -Helium is non-flammable

Much of the world supply of helium is in Texas. However, some if found in Canada. It could run out in around 20 years and then new supplys may have to be found.

  • -it has a bright yellow spectrum
  • -it never freezes
  • -it is lighter than air
  • -lowest melting point of the elements
  • -helium doesn't burn
  • -non-toxic
  • -no helium exists in the human body
  • -the atomosphere contains around 5 parts per million-
  • -Russia could be the biggest source for Helium in the future

Helium can be transported in small supplies in heavy steel cylanders. Larger amounts are shipped in insulated containers in liquid form.

If inhaled it can change the tone of a persons voice. Remember those parties where someone inevitabley sucks in some helium and starts talking like a cartoon character? While it's all in good fun you have to remember that this gas can cause asphyxiation and even death! So the next time you want to impress your friends and get a laugh do it without the use of helium!

Helium could be slowly disappearing. The powers that be no longer want to keep helium in reserves and want to just let it filter into the air.

Helium was one of the most important gases used by NASA. Helium carried to the moon determined the length of stay by astronauts. Without it the spacecraft would have been stranded.

If you put an object next to liquid helium it will vap it's energy. It thus makes the object cold!

Here is a fun fact:

It would take 6,000 helium filled balloons to lift a 75 pound child into the air?

Well that is our fun facts on helium. It is an amazing gas and it's uses are broad. Hopefully, it will not run out and the world will continue using it for further applications. 

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