Neon is one of the noble gases, along with argon, krypton, and xenon. It is a nonmetal and has low chemical reactivity, so it does not form compounds. It glows reddish-orange when electricity is applied, and it’s used in the signs that you see around town.
It is very rare on Earth and cannot be found naturally in many places, but it is very common in the stars and is the fifth most common element in the universe. Scientists and researchers continue to study neon, because it has unique properties that make it an interesting subject for research. For example, scientists are trying to isolate the gas and find better ways to produce it. They are also using it to detect leaks during fracking, where methane and other dangerous gases can escape and damage the environment.
In 1898, British scientists William Ramsay and Morris Travers discovered that neon gas glows a bright reddish-orange color when an electric current is passed through it. Ramsay and Travers attributed the effect to a new chemical, which they named neon. The glowing was caused by the bombardment of electrons by ions in the gas. The ions then “recapture” the electrons, causing energy to be released in the form of light. This process, called recombination, is what gives each noble gas its characteristic luminescence.
Today, neon is primarily produced by distilling liquid air. It is a popular cryogenic refrigerant, and it can be combined with helium to make neon-helium lasers. Inhalation of neon is considered harmless, but it can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities.
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