helium
Helium is element 2. This topic is part of Chemistry within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 16 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
helium trivia questions
What is the chemical symbol for helium?
Answer: He
Bonus fact: Helium is element 2.
Why do helium balloons rise in air?
Answer: Helium is less dense than air
Bonus fact: Buoyant force exceeds the weight of the helium-filled balloon system.
Which type of decay emits a helium nucleus?
Answer: Alpha decay
Bonus fact: An alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons.
Why does a helium balloon rise?
Answer: Helium is less dense than air
Bonus fact: Buoyancy lifts the lower-density balloon.
Helium is safer than hydrogen for balloons mainly because it is what?
Answer: Nonflammable
Bonus fact: Helium does not burn.
What happens to a helium balloon's volume as outside pressure decreases at high altitude?
Answer: It expands
Bonus fact: Lower external pressure allows the gas to expand.
Which isotope of helium famously becomes a superfluid at very low temperature?
Answer: Helium-4
Bonus fact: Helium-4 enters the superfluid phase below the lambda point near 2.17 kelvins.
Which bizarre behavior can superfluid helium show in a container?
Answer: It can creep up walls as a thin film
Bonus fact: The so-called Rollin film is one of the striking macroscopic effects of superfluidity.
What gas is commonly used to provide lift in modern blimps?
Answer: Helium
Bonus fact: Helium is nonflammable and lighter than air.
Which nonflammable gas is commonly used in modern airships?
Answer: Helium
Bonus fact: Helium is safer than flammable hydrogen.
Jupiter and Saturn are what type of planets?
Answer: Gas giants
Bonus fact: They are dominated by hydrogen and helium.
What element is fused in the Sun's core?
Answer: Hydrogen
Bonus fact: Hydrogen nuclei ultimately form helium.