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Helium group 18 and s-block element claim fact check

Question asked:

“Helium is in group 18 and is an s-block element”
True
Confidence: High Checked on October 18, 2026

Summary

Helium is correctly placed in group 18 of the periodic table as a noble gas. Its electron configuration (1s²) also classifies it as an s‑block element. Both classifications are widely accepted in chemistry references.

Sources 60 searched

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
en.wikipedia.org
  • Block (periodic table) - Wikipedia

    The s-block, with the s standing ... earth metals (group 2). Their general valence configuration is ns1–2. Helium is an s-element, but nearly always finds its place to the far right in group 18, above the p-element neon....

periodic-table.rsc.org
flexbooks.ck12.org
  • s-block Elements | CK-12 Foundation - FlexBooks

    Why is helium (He) placed in Group 18 despite being an s-block element?

  • Electronic Configurations of Elements and the Periodic Table | CK-12 Foundation

    Group 18 (Noble gases): Elements have a full valence shell (ns² np⁶), making them chemically inert. Example: Neon (1s² 2s² 2p⁶). Electronic configuration describes the arrangement of electrons in an atom's shells and subshells and is central to understanding an element's chemical behaviour and reactivity. Elements are classified into s-, p-, d- and f-blocks according to which subshell (the outermost occupied subshell) is being filled: s-block (outer ns), ...

ck12.org
chem.libretexts.org
  • s-Block Elements - Chemistry LibreTexts

    The s-block in the periodic table of elements occupies the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, also known as groups 1 and 2. Helium is also part of the s block. The principal quantum number &…

tutorchase.com
chemistry.stackexchange.com

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