High School

Is helium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?

1. Metal
2. Nonmetal
3. Metalloid

Answer :

Final answer:

Helium is a nonmetal, specifically a noble gas, known for being chemically non-reactive and poor in conducting electricity and heat. Hence, 2 is the correct option.

Explanation:

Helium is a nonmetal based on its position on the periodic table. It is one of the noble gases, located in group 18, and is known for being chemically non-reactive. Helium has many uses, including filling balloons due to its non-flammability and in MRI machines where its liquid form is used to cool superconducting magnets. Unlike metals, which are typically shiny and conductive, helium is a gas at room temperature and a poor conductor of electricity and heat. Its properties make it fundamentally different from metals and metalloids.