Adrienne_ProperiesandUsesHelium

=**Properties and Uses of Helium**=

Helium is second most abundant element in the universe that we know of. It is extracted from natural gas. Helium is a non-metal, and is an inert monatomic gas. At room temperature, it is a gas. Helium is unreactive, colorless, ordour-less, and not inflamable. It makes up about 0.0005% of the earth's atmosphere. Helium is a very special element, because it is the only element that cannot be solidified by lowering the temperature.

There are many uses for Helium. The most common use for helium is for filling balloons, because it is safer than hydrogen since it doesn't burn. It is also widely used as an inert gas shield for arc welding in countries where helium is cheaper than argon. It is a protective gas in growing silicon and germanium crystals, and in titanium and zirconium production. It is a cooling medium for nuclear reactors, and used as a gas for supersonic wind tunnels. Helium also makes your voice squeaky if breathed in, but it is very unhealthy to do so.

Inert Gas Shield