Helium-4

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/helium-4

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the atomic composition?Nucleus consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
2. What is the nuclear identity?Its nucleus is identical to an alpha particle
3. What is Helium-4 and why does it make balloons float?Helium-4 is a very light gas. It is lighter than the air around it, so when you fill a balloon with it, the balloon rises and floats.
4. Why is Helium-4 the most common type of helium on Earth?Helium-4 is the most common helium because its nucleus is very stable. It is made in huge amounts in stars and also from the decay of heavy elements underground.

Isotope: Atoms of the same element with varying numbers of neutrons, thus different mass numbers.
Nucleosynthesis: The process by which new atomic nuclei are created from pre-existing nucleons and nuclei.
Alpha Decay: A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (Helium-4 nucleus).
Cryogenics: The study and production of very low-temperature phenomena.