Is Helium a Metal? Why?

No, Helium is not a metal. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, and it is the second lightest element in the periodic table. Helium is classified as a noble gas and is located in group 18 of the periodic table. ¹

Well, this was just a simple answer. But there are few more things to know about this topic which will make your concept super clear.

So let’s dive right into it.

Why is helium a nonmetal?

Helium is a nonmetal because it is a gas and it lacks the typical characteristics of a metal. 

Metals are usually defined as elements that are solid at room temperature, have high electrical conductivity, are ductile and malleable, and tend to form positively charged ions. ²

Helium, on the other hand, is a gas at room temperature, has low electrical conductivity, and does not tend to form ions. ³

Additionally, helium has a completely filled outer electron shell, which is a characteristic of noble gases, another group of nonmetals. ⁴

This stable electron configuration makes helium extremely unreactive, further distinguishing it from metals which tend to be chemically reactive. 

In summary, helium is a nonmetal because it lacks the physical and chemical properties commonly associated with metals and instead shares characteristics with the noble gases, a group of nonmetals.

Which nonmetallic properties does helium have?

Helium is a nonmetallic element and has several nonmetallic properties. Some of the nonmetallic properties of helium are:

1. It is a noble gas, which means it has a full outer shell of electrons and does not readily react with other elements.
2. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature and pressure.
3. It has a very low boiling and melting point, making it the second lightest element and the least dense gas known. ⁵
4. It has a very low solubility in water and other liquids. ⁶

These properties make helium useful for a variety of applications, including in cryogenics, as a cooling agent for nuclear reactors, and as a gas for welding and other industrial processes. ⁷

Metallic properties that helium lacks

As a nonmetal, helium lacks certain metallic properties, some of which are:

1. It does not have metallic luster or shine, which is a characteristic of metals due to the reflection of light from their smooth surface.
2. It does not have the ability to form cations (positively charged ions) by losing electrons, which is a characteristic of most metals. ⁸
3. It does not have high electrical or thermal conductivity, which is another characteristic of most metals.
4. It does not have the ability to be shaped into wires or sheets, which is a property of metals known as ductility.
5. It does not have the ability to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets, which is a property of metals known as malleability.

These properties are in contrast to those of metals, which are characterized by their ability to conduct electricity and heat, their lustrous appearance, and their ability to be shaped and formed into different shapes and structures.

How is helium different from metals?

Helium differs from metals in several ways, including:

• Electronic structure: Helium is a nonmetal and has a completely filled valence electron shell, while metals have partially filled valence shells, allowing them to readily form chemical bonds.
• Physical properties: Helium is a gas at room temperature and pressure, whereas metals are typically solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury. 
• Reactivity: Helium is chemically inert and does not readily react with other elements, while metals are often highly reactive and readily form compounds with other elements.
• Density: Helium is the second lightest element and has a very low density, while metals tend to have higher densities.
• Conductivity: Helium is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, whereas metals are typically excellent conductors.

Overall, helium has significantly different chemical and physical properties than metals, and as a noble gas, it does not exhibit the metallic bonding and reactivity seen in most metals.

Further reading

Is Helium Diatomic?
Is Lithium a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Hydrogen a Metal? 
Is Boron a Metal?
Is Boron a Nonmetal? 

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4. Boudreaux, K. A. (n.d.). The Parts of the Periodic Table. The Parts of the Periodic Table. https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/periodic_main8.htm
5. Boudreaux, K. A. (n.d.). The Parts of the Periodic Table. The Parts of the Periodic Table. https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/physical_states.htm
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