Finding Helium and the Strange Case of Superfluidity

TL;DR

The discovery and uses of helium, from its initial identification during a solar eclipse to its role as a superfluid and its potential connection to black holes, are explored.

Transcript

Not that long ago, the element helium, the gas  that fills every day mundane helium balloons was   a total mystery. Despite being the second  most common element in the universe going   straight back to the big bang, we didn’t know  it even existed until 1868. Here’s the story.   On August 18th of that year a total solar  eclipse was visible from t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙇 Helium was discovered during a solar eclipse in 1868, thanks to observations made using a spectroscope.
• 🫢 It has various practical uses, including cooling superconducting magnets and serving as a purge gas in industrial processes.
• 🥹 Helium's superfluid state holds potential for understanding black holes and quantum gravity.
• ❓ The scarcity of helium on Earth poses concerns for its availability and could impact industries reliant on its unique properties.
• 🏋️ Alternative lifting gases exist but have limitations in terms of lift, safety, or availability.
• 🫢 Earth's helium supply mainly comes from radioactive decay and reserves found in natural gas fields.
• 💨 Helium's discovery and subsequent research have paved the way for advancements in spectrometry and our understanding of elements

Questions & Answers

Q: How was helium initially discovered?

Helium was discovered during a solar eclipse in 1868 when scientists observed an emission line in the sun's spectrum that couldn't be attributed to any known element. French astronomer Pierre Janssen and British astronomer Norman Lockyer were among the discoverers.

Q: How is helium used in various industries?

Helium has multiple industrial uses, including cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines, purging gas in certain industries, and aiding in arc welding and silicon wafer production.

Q: What is the significance of helium's superfluid state?

When helium is cooled to extremely low temperatures, it enters a superfluid state with no viscosity. This superfluid helium can climb walls, exhibit quantum entanglement, and potentially offer insights into understanding black holes and quantum gravity.

Q: Why is the scarcity of helium a concern?

Helium is becoming increasingly scarce on Earth, as it mainly comes from radioactive decay. It is used in various applications beyond balloons, and its depletion could lead to expensive alternatives or a lack of availability for certain industries.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Helium, the second most common element in the universe, was discovered in 1868 during a solar eclipse observed by various scientists.

• The discovery of helium was made through the observation of emission lines using a spectroscope, confirming Gustave Kirchhoff's theory.

• Helium has various uses, such as in cooling superconducting magnets, purging gas in industry, and creating silicon wafers, but its scarcity poses a potential problem.