When you hear the word neon, your thoughts probably turn to the famous signs that illuminate many restaurants and bars on the Las Vegas Strip or in old-timey diners on Colfax in Denver. The glowing reddish orange color of these signs is thanks to neon gas, a noble metal that was first produced in 1898 by scientists William Ramsay and Morris Travers when they separated argon from liquid nitrogen.
Neon is in group 18 of the periodic table, making it the first noble gas to have a complete octet of electrons in its outer shell (helium is lighter and has only two). It conducts electricity and can be used as a light source. Neon is nontoxic and nonflammable, but it does pose a risk of asphyxiation if too much of it is inhaled.
To create a classic neon sign, a high voltage is applied to electrodes at the ends of a glass tube filled with the gas. When the electrodes are activated, they cause the atoms of neon to emit photons—light particles. The ions then “recapture” the electrons they have released, causing the gas to glow. The specific color of the emitted photons is determined by their wavelength and is associated with each element’s unique energy spectrum.
Aside from its well-known use in signage, neon is used in television tubes and high-voltage indicators. It also is used in lasers and as a coolant for scientific equipment. The liquefied form of neon is an important cryogenic refrigerant.
Creativity for Kids Mini Garden: Axolotl Terrarium - STEM Science Kit for Kids, Axolotl Arts and Crafts, Gifts Stocking Stuffers and DIY Girls Toys (Age 6+)
$7.49 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
STEM Projects for Kids & Adults Build Your Own Bluetooth Speaker - Science Experiment Electronics Kit | Beginner's Starter DIY Set,STEM Gifts for Teenage Girls + Boys Ages 10 and Up (Dual Speakers)
$12.74 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes – Includes Goggles & 2 Display Stands - Great STEM Science Kit, Geology Gift for Kids, Break Your Own Geodes with Crystals
$31.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
National Geographic Light Up Terrarium Kit for Kids - Build a Dinosaur Habitat with Real Plants & Gemstones, Science Kit, Dinosaur Toys for Kids (Amazon Exclusive)
$29.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Doctor Jupiter Girls First Science Experiment Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8| Birthday Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Girls| STEM Learning & Educational Toys
$32.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Smartivity DIY 2in1 Hydraulic Airplanes & Darts Launcher STEM Toy for Kids Ages 6 to 14 Years I Christmas, Birthday Gifts for Smart Kids | DIY Science Kit for Boys & Girls 6, 8,10,12,14 Years Old
$28.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Science Kits for Kids Age 8-12 12-14, STEM Kits for Kids Age 8-10, STEM Toys Build Your Own FM Radio Kit, DIY Electronic Snap Circuits Projects Gifts for Teen Girls Boys 9 11 13 15 16+ (Classic Wood)
$9.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Kit - Grow 6 Crystals with Light-Up Stand, Science Gifts for Kids 8-12
$31.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
UNGLINGA 150 Experiments Science Kits for Kids, S.T.E.M Educational Project Toys for Boys Girls Birthday Gifts Ideas, Volcano, Chemistry Lab Tools Scientist Set
$27.99 (as of October 29, 2025 05:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)