A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

194

Noble Gases

P

u

re

n

eo

n^

in

a

g

la

ss^

sph

ere

Neon

Ne

10

Neon is a rare element: it makes up just

0.001 per cent of our atmosphere. Some

of it was locked in Earth’s rocks when the

planet formed, and this is released into the air

by volcanic eruptions. Pure neon, a transparent

gas, is extracted by cooling air to a temperature

of −189.34°C (−308.81°F), at which point the

neon gas in the air turns to liquid. Neon can be

mixed with helium to create research lasers.

However, it is most commonly used in lighting,

such as in illuminated signs or as bright warning

beacons in the path of aircraft at airports.

Volcanic eruption

Helium-neon laser

Neon sign

Neon

lights may

refer to lighting

produced using

any noble gas.

Forms

Uses Glass tubes filled

with neon are used

as brightly lit signs.

This sample of

neon is trapped in

a glass sphere, and

gives off a red-orange

glow when electrified.

Volcanic eruptions release

neon gas into the atmosphere.

A deep red beam is

emitted by this laser.

10 10 10

State: Gas

Discovery: 1898

194-195_Argon_Neon.indd 194 05/01/17 2:50 pm