Helium All Around

Recently there has been speculation that we could run out of helium. While helium is the second most common element in the universe, there is only a small amount of it present in the earth’s atmosphere. The element of is so light that it cannot be pulled in by Earth’s gravitational force.

The helium that does exist on Earth is naturally found in underground rock formations. Helium’s radius, which is the smallest of any atomic element, allows it squeeze into small cracks in the rock. The rock then traps the helium and prevents it from escaping into the atmosphere. Natural gas fields harvest the largest quantities of helium. Occasionally, there is enough helium mixed in with the natural gas that companies are able to extract it as by-product. The helium is then sold to buyers.

In addition to having the smallest atomic radius of any element, helium also has the lowest condensation point. It chances from a gas to a liquid at -269°C. Because liquid helium is so cold, it is used in medical scanners, like MRI machines, to freeze special magnets. These helium dependent machines are crucial in helping doctors properly diagnose medical conditions. For the same reasons, liquid helium is also used to chill magnets in science labs.  

Some might fear that we are at risk for running out of helium but in reality there is enough helium beneath Earth’s surface to sustain us. The real problem is not running out of helium; it is accessing it. Companies will have to continue to drill for helium to keep the supply stable.

http://scienceworld.scholastic.com/Chemistry-News/2014/11/deflated  

Submitted by: Natasha Peregrim