Helios was the Greek god of Sun. So why was helium named after him?
2007-09-24 10:45:16 · 4 answers · asked by Carlos 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Because helium is nearly chemically inert, it was not discovered in the usual course of chemical experimentation on Earth. It was first detected as a previously-unknown spectral signature in light from the sun.
Since at the time it was identified, it was only known to exist on the sun, that's how it got its name.
Helium - "Sun stuff"
2007-09-24 10:55:15 · answer #1 · answered by skeptik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Helium is the first product in the fusion chain. It was first discovered in the sun due to its strong yellow line in the spectrum of the sun, which did not match any known element on Earth. It was then given the name Helium after Helios, the Greek sun god. Helium was not isolated on Earth until 25 years after this discovery.
2007-09-24 10:48:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why Was Helium Named Helium
2017-02-21 02:37:39 · answer #3 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish to ask the same question as the person above.
2016-08-24 17:20:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋