The Helium Atom

  • Released Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:55PM
  • ID: 10133

Helium nuclei were created in the Big Bang and contain two protons and two neutrons each. Helium is the second most abundant element, comprising roughly one quarter of the mass of the Universe. This animation zooms into a standard helium atom, showing its protons (green), neutrons (white), and electrons (blue).

This animation zooms into a standard helium atom, showing its protons (green), its neutrons (white), and its electrons (blue).

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA

Series

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