Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is a noble gas, meaning that it is chemically inert and does not react with other elements. Neon is the fifth most abundant element in the universe, and it is the second most abundant noble gas in Earth’s atmosphere.
On the periodic table, neon is located in group 18 (or group VIIIA) and period 2. This means that it has 8 electrons in its valence shell, and it is a member of the noble gas family.
Neon has a very low melting point (-248.62°C) and a very low boiling point (-246.04°C). This means that it is a gas at room temperature. Neon is also a very light element, with a density of 0.9002 g/L.
Neon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is also non-flammable and non-toxic. Neon is often used in neon signs, because it glows a bright red-orange color when it is excited by electricity. Neon is also used in lasers and other electronic devices.
Here are some other interesting facts about neon:
- Neon was discovered in 1898 by William Ramsay and Morris Travers.
- The name “neon” comes from the Greek word “neos,” which means “new.”
- Neon is the rarest of the noble gases in Earth’s atmosphere, making up only about 0.002% of the gas.
- Neon is the second most abundant element in the Sun, after hydrogen.
- Neon is used in a variety of applications, including neon signs, lasers, and electronic devices.
