Page 196 - The Periodic Table Book
P. 196
10
Ne Neon
Discovery: 1898
10 10 10 State: Gas
Noble Gases Forms This sample of
neon is trapped in
a glass sphere, and
gives off a red-orange
Pure neon in a glass sphere Volcanic eruption
glow when electrified.
Volcanic eruptions release
neon gas into the atmosphere.
Neon
lights may
refer to lighting
produced using
any noble gas.
Uses Glass tubes filled
with neon are used
A deep red beam is as brightly lit signs.
emitted by this laser. Neon sign
Helium-neon laser
Neon is a rare element: it makes up just of −189.34°C (−308.81°F), at which point the
0.001 per cent of our atmosphere. Some neon gas in the air turns to liquid. Neon can be
of it was locked in Earth’s rocks when the mixed with helium to create research lasers.
planet formed, and this is released into the air However, it is most commonly used in lighting,
by volcanic eruptions. Pure neon, a transparent such as in illuminated signs or as bright warning
194 gas, is extracted by cooling air to a temperature beacons in the path of aircraft at airports.
194-195_Argon_Neon.indd 194 05/01/17 2:50 pm