helium-3

English

An atom of helium-3. This, and protium (hydrogen-1), are the only stable nuclides with fewer neutrons than protons.

Noun

helium-3 (uncountable)

1. (physics) The rare isotope of helium, ³₂He, that has a single neutron.
   • 2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (science fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: H-047c Codex entry:

     With its magnetic field drastically weakened and much of its atmosphere lost, what remains intact of H-047c's surface is vulnerable to cosmic radiation. This has rendered the soil unable to support life, though it is a potential source of valuable helium-3.

See also

• helion
• helium-4