Helium is a chemical element with symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas that heads the noble gas series in the periodic table. Helium was first discovered in 1868 as a byproduct of natural gas production, and it played an important role in the development of modern atomic theory.
Helium is widely used in various applications such as cryogenics, welding, balloons, and party favors due to its unique properties like low boiling point, high thermal conductivity, and non-flammability. It also has several practical uses including fuel for helium-filled airships, pressurizing nuclear reactors, and creating magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) machines.
In addition to its industrial applications, helium is used in scientific research such as studying superconductivity, quantum computing, and understanding the properties of materials at low temperatures. It also has important uses in medical fields like treating respiratory conditions and preserving organs for transplantation.