Both elements belong to the s block of the periodic table.ĭifference Between Helium and Hydrogen Definition.

Helium and Hydrogen are gaseous substances at standard temperature and pressure conditions.

Moreover, hydrogen is used as a coolant in power plants as well. Hydrogen gas is also used in the production of ammonia. Large quantities of hydrogen are used in the processing of fossil fuels. There are many applications of hydrogen gas. Furthermore, there are many other isotopes that are not stable, and are highly radioactive. It has a neutron in its nucleus whereas Protium does not. Deuterium is also a stable isotope but is less abundant. Therefore, when we generally talk about hydrogen, we are talking about Protium. Protium is the most abundant isotope and has an abundance of 99%. There are three major isotopes of hydrogen: Protium, Deuterium, and tritium. When hydrogen is attached to a metal atom, it has -1 oxidation state. The melting point of hydrogen is about -259 oC. The atomic weight of hydrogen is 1.00794 amu.Īt room temperature and pressure, hydrogen exist as a diatomic gaseous molecule. Hydrogen is an s block element in the periodic table. The electron configuration of hydrogen is given as 1s 1. An atom of hydrogen is composed of one proton and no neutrons in the nucleus it has one electron in its 1s orbital. Hydrogen is a chemical element having the atomic number 1 and is given in the symbol H. Helium can be converted to its liquid form, which is known as liquid helium and is used as an important cryogenic material. It is also used as an inert shield for arc welding. 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. However, there are some other isotopes as well. Both of these isotopes are stable and no radioactive decay can be observed. 4He is the most abundant form among them and its abundance is given as 99%. Since helium is a noble gas, it only shows zero oxidation state. This is because helium is an inert gas that will not undergo chemical reactions. 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 makes it a gas for a wider range of temperatures. The boiling point of helium is given as -268 oC.

The melting point of helium is about -272.2 oC, which is a very low value. It exists as a monoatomic gas.įigure 1: Chemical Structure of Helium Atom Helium is considered as the second most abundant element in the universe. At room temperature and pressure, helium is a colorless and odorless gas. Therefore, the atomic mass of helium is 4.002602 amu. An atom of helium is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons in the nucleus along with 2 electrons in its 1s orbital. The electron configuration of helium is 1s 2. Helium is an element that has the atomic number 2 and is a gaseous substance. Key Terms: Atomic Mass, Atomic Number, Deuterium, Helium, Hydrogen, Isotopes of Helium, Protium, Tritium What is the Difference Between Helium and Hydrogen What are the Similarities Between Helium and HydrogenĤ. – Properties, Isotopes, Reactions, and Applicationsģ. 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. Due to the very light weight of these gases, they are used to fill air balloons.

Due to the characteristic features of hydrogen and helium, there are many applications of these gases in industry. Therefore, they are the smallest and lightest atoms on earth. Hydrogen and Helium are the first two elements that are found in the periodic table of elements.

Helium atomic mass