Main Difference – Helium vs Hydrogen
Helium is used by: Core Technologies. The People's Network is made possible through sophisticated, open-source technologies that aim to create a truly decentralized and trust-less model for building wireless infrastructure. The two gases have comparable mass (H 2 and He). Single helium atoms are so small they pass between many other molecules. This is why a filled helium balloon deflates over time - the helium escapes through tiny pores in the material. Atomic number 2 is the second most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen.
Hydrogen and Helium are the first two elements that are found in the periodic table of elements. Therefore, they are the smallest and lightest atoms on earth. Both of them are gaseous substances. Due to the characteristic features of hydrogen and helium, there are many applications of these gases in industry. Due to the very light weight of these gases, they are used to fill air balloons. The main difference between helium and hydrogen is that helium atom exists as a monoatomic gas in the atmosphere whereas hydrogen exists as a diatomic gas in the atmosphere.
Helium has raised equity funding from some of the most prominent Venture Capital (VC) firms in the world including Khosla Ventures, FirstMark Capital, GV (formerly Google Ventures), HSB/MunichRe Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Multicoin Capital, and others. Learn more about Helium. 4.00g/(mol) You can obtain the molar mass of any chemical element by using the periodic table: The molar mass is usually listed underneath the chemical symbol. The units associated with molar mass is grams per mole (g/(mol)). Helium is a chemical element with atomic number 2 which means there are 2 protons and 2 electrons in the atomic structure. The chemical symbol for Helium is He. Atomic Mass of Helium Atomic mass of Helium is 4.0026 u.
Key Areas Covered
1.What is Helium
– Properties, Isotopes, Reactions, and Applications
2. What is Hydrogen
– Properties, Isotopes, Reactions, and Applications
3. What are the Similarities Between Helium and Hydrogen
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Helium and Hydrogen
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Atomic Mass, Atomic Number, Deuterium , Helium, Hydrogen, Isotopes of Helium, Protium, Tritium
What is Helium
Helium is an element that has the atomic number 2 and is a gaseous substance. The chemical symbol for helium is He. The electron configuration of helium is 1s2. The atomic symbol of helium is 42He. An atom of helium is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons in the nucleus along with 2 electrons in its 1s orbital. Therefore, the atomic mass of helium is 4.002602 amu. At room temperature and pressure, helium is a colorless and odorless gas. Helium is considered as the second most abundant element in the universe. It exists as a monoatomic gas.
The melting point of helium is about -272.2oC, which is a very low value. The boiling point of helium is given as -268oC. This makes it a gas for a wider range of temperatures. In the periodic table of elements, helium is categorized as an s block element but is placed in the right side corner of the table. This is because helium is an inert gas that will not undergo chemical reactions. It is also a non-metal.
Since helium is a noble gas, it only shows zero oxidation state. There are two known isotopes of helium. They are 3He isotope and 4He isotope. 4He is the most abundant form among them and its abundance is given as 99%. Both of these isotopes are stable and no radioactive decay can be observed. However, there are some other isotopes as well. They are unstable and radioactive.
Helium is widely used in balloons. In addition, helium is used to provide a controlled atmosphere for many synthesis reactions (such as synthesis of silicon crystals) due to its high inertness. It is also used as an inert shield for arc welding. Helium can be converted to its liquid form, which is known as liquid helium and is used as an important cryogenic material.
What is Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a chemical element having the atomic number 1 and is given in the symbol H. An atom of hydrogen is composed of one proton and no neutrons in the nucleus; it has one electron in its 1s orbital. The electron configuration of hydrogen is given as 1s1. Hydrogen is an s block element in the periodic table. The atomic weight of hydrogen is 1.00794 amu.
At room temperature and pressure, hydrogen exist as a diatomic gaseous molecule. It is a colorless and odorless gas. The melting point of hydrogen is about -259oC. The boiling point comes around -252oC. Hydrogen has three oxidation states. They are -1, 0 and +1. When hydrogen is attached to a metal atom, it has -1 oxidation state.
There are three major isotopes of hydrogen: Protium, Deuterium, and tritium. Protium is the most abundant isotope and has an abundance of 99%. Therefore, when we generally talk about hydrogen, we are talking about Protium. Deuterium is also a stable isotope but is less abundant. It has a neutron in its nucleus whereas Protium does not. Tritium is a radioactive isotope. Furthermore, there are many other isotopes that are not stable, and are highly radioactive.
There are many applications of hydrogen gas. Large quantities of hydrogen are used in the processing of fossil fuels. Hydrogen gas is also used in the production of ammonia. Moreover, hydrogen is used as a coolant in power plants as well.
Similarities Between Helium and Hydrogen
- Helium and Hydrogen are gaseous substances at standard temperature and pressure conditions.
- Both have only 1s orbital.
- Both are small and light substances.
- Both elements belong to the s block of the periodic table.
- Both are nonmetals.
Difference Between Helium and Hydrogen
Definition
Helium:Helium is an element having the atomic number 2 and is represented by the symbol He.
Hydrogen:Hydrogen is a chemical element having the atomic number 1 and is represented by the symbol H.
Atomic Number
Helium:The atomic number of helium is 2.
Hydrogen:The atomic number of hydrogen is 1.
Atomic Weight
Helium: The atomic weight of helium is 4.002602 amu.
Hydrogen: The atomic weight of hydrogen is 1.00794 amu.
Compounds
Helium:Helium exists as a monatomic gaseous substance.
Hydrogen:Hydrogen exists as a diatomic gaseous molecule.
Oxidation States
Helium: Helium has only 0 oxidation state.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen has -1, 0 and +1 oxidation states.
Isotopes
Helium 4 Mass Number
Helium:Helium has two major isotopes as 3He and 4He.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen has three major isotopes; Protium, deuterium, and tritium.
Melting Point
Helium:The melting point of helium is -272.2oC.
Hydrogen:The melting point of hydrogen is -259oC.
Conclusion
Helium and hydrogen are chemical elements that are mostly found in the atmosphere as gaseous substances due to their very low melting and boiling temperatures. The main difference between Helium and hydrogen is that helium atom exists as a monoatomic gas in the atmosphere whereas hydrogen exists as a diatomic gas in the atmosphere.
References:
Helium Element Mass Number
1. “It’s Elemental.” It’s Elemental – The Element Helium. N.p., n.d. Web. Available here. 13 Aug. 2017.
2. “Hydrogen.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Aug. 2017. Web. Available here. 13 Aug. 2017.
Helium Atomic Structure
Image Courtesy:
1. “Blausen 0476 HeliumAtom” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Blausen 0530 HydrogenIsotopes” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
What is the atomic number for helium?
1 Answer
The nucleus of the helium atom contains 2 massive, positively charged particles. Thus,
Explanation:
You do not have to remember these numbers, because in every exam you ever sit you should be provided a copy of the Periodic Table, which lists all the elements in order of atomic number. Of course, you still have to be able to use the table.
Given the examples,
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