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Helium

Key Stage 2

Meaning

Helium is a gas.

Key Stage 3

A 2 dimensional representation of a Helium atom with 2 protons and 2 neutrons in the nucleus and 2 electrons orbiting the nucleus.

Meaning

Helium is a Group 0 element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 2.

About Helium

Helium has the chemical formula He.
Helium has two protons and two neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 2 and an atomic mass of 4.
Helium is a Noble Gas.
Helium is a gas at room temperature.
Helium gas is less dense than air.
An atom of Helium has a full outer shell of two electrons so it is inert.

Key Stage 4

A 2 dimensional representation of the Bohr Model of a Helium-4 isotope with 2 protons and 2 neutrons in the nucleus and 2 electrons in its outer shell.

Meaning

Helium is a Group 0 element, on the Periodic Table, with 2 protons in the nucleus.

About Helium

Helium has the chemical formula He.
The most stable isotope of Helium has two neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 4.
Helium is a Noble Gas.
Helium is a gas at standard temperature and pressure.
Helium gas is less dense than air.
An atom of Helium has a full outer shell of two electrons so it is inert.
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Helium always has 2 protons. The most stable isotope has 2 neutrons.

Beyond the Curriculum

References

AQA

Helium, page 106, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Helium, pages 109, 111-12, 130-1, 280-1, 283-4, 286-7, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA