Which Noble Gases Create Neon Signs?
- Noble gases were original termed inert gases because it was assumed that they were nonreactive. However, this is not entirely true because some gases from this group will form compounds. These gases are used in lighting because of the uncomplicated way in which they absorb and emit energy. The noble gases are neon, helium, argon, krypton, xenon and radon. The only one not used in neon lighting is radon due to the fact that it is radioactive.
- A true neon sign can be identified by its orange-reddish glow. Neon has the atomic number 10 and is abbreviated Ne. It was discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay. On its own, neon is a colorless gas that can be found in small quantities in the atmosphere as well as trapped within rocks in the Earth's crust, though it is far more common in the cosmos.
- Helium will give signs an orangish-white to white glow. Its atomic number is 2, and it is abbreviated He. It was discovered in 1895 by Sir William Ramsay. Helium is the second lightest element, and its boiling and freezing points are lower than any other substance.
- Violet to pale lavender-blue signs get their color from argon. Argon's atomic number is 18 and is abbreviated Ar. It was discovered in 1894 by Sir William Ramsay. Argon is the most abundant of the noble gases found here on earth and is used more often than the other noble gases for industrial purposes.
- Krypton gives signs a grayish to dim off-white glow. It's atomic number is 36, and it is abbreviated Kr. Sir William Ramsay discovered krypton in 1898. Krypton is three times heavier than air. Traces of krypton can be found in meteorites, but it is more common in the atmosphere.
- Xenon gives a blue-gray glow in neon signs. It's atomic number is 54, and it is abbreviated Xe. It was discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay. Xenon is heavy, weighing more than 4 1/2 times the weight of air. It is also an extremely rare element.
