Question

Helium was discovered by:
A.Lavoisier
B.Ramsay
C.Rayleigh
D.Cavendish

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question, you should recall the discovery of Noble gases. It was discovered by a Scottish scientist.

Complete step by step answer:
Helium is a chemical element which is denoted by the symbol He. The atomic number of helium is 2. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, helium exists as a colourless monatomic gas that does not have any distinct odour or taste. It can be noted that helium is non-toxic in small concentrations. It is the first and the lightest noble gas. Among all elements, helium is known to possess the lowest boiling point.
Helium is an s-block element which corresponds to period 1 and group 18 of the modern periodic table. The electron configuration of helium is \[1{s^2}\]. Therefore, this element has a total of 2 electrons in its valence shell.
On March 26 1895, a Scottish chemist, Sir William Ramsay, isolated helium on Earth by treating the mineral cleveite with mineral acids.

Hence, the correct answer for this question is option B.

Note:
Let us summarize the trends of fundamental properties of an element: Atomic Radii and Ionic radii: The atomic radii and ionic radii of elements decrease while moving from left to right in a period. Ionization Enthalpy: Across a period in the periodic table, ionization energy generally increases. However, when we see the trend of ionization enthalpy in the groups, it decreases from top to bottom in a group. Electron gain enthalpy: Electron gain enthalpy becomes more negative as we move from left to right in a period.