The symbol for the element helium is "He." Helium is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the universe, primarily formed during the Big Bang and through nuclear fusion in stars. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature and is non-flammable. Helium is commonly used in applications such as filling balloons, cooling superconducting magnets, and as a protective gas in certain types of industrial welding. Additionally, it has potential applications in various scientific fields due to its inert nature.