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where do they get helium from?
My reasoning is that if helium is so light it can't remain in the atmosphere,ie it just floats off into space, and furthermore, it is inert, so it can't be extracted from any compounds, from where do they get helium?
NB: I don't have any Chemistry background, so try to keep your answers as simple as possible, though if it involves something complex, feel free to describe it.
5 Answers
- Lucas CLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Helium is created as a natural byproduct of the radioactive decay of heavy elements. It is trapped in natural gas pockets and separated by fractional distillation.
Interestingly enough, helium was first detected in the spectral lines of the Sun before it was found here on Earth, hence the element's name. The word "helium" comes from the word "helios", meaning "Sun".
- james wLv 51 decade ago
Helium is a natural element (#2 on periodic table).
This website has some good info:
- Renaissance ManLv 51 decade ago
It is mined from th ground like minerals. it collects in pockets underground from the decay of radioactive minerals. Radioactive minerals give off "alpha particles" which are helium nuclei.
- science teacherLv 71 decade ago
Helium is obtained from petroleum. It is just found there, it is not really a part of the petroleum.
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- Anonymous1 decade ago
cow s**t so im told!
