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Helium (He)
The second most abundant element in the universe, helium is rare on Earth. Should this rare element be used in something as frivolous as party balloons?
The second most abundant element in the universe, helium is rare on Earth. In liquid form it is used as a coolant in super conducting magnets in MRI scanners – so should this rare element be used in something as frivolous as party balloons? And what happens to the helium when that balloon inevitably escapes the clutch of a small child?
(Picture: US National Helium Reserve; Credit: Jonny Dymond/Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ)
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Elements
Chemical elements: where do we get them and how do they fit into our economy?
