Neon is a chemical element and an inert gas that’s a minor part of the Earth’s atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for signage because it is relatively inexpensive and bright, even in large quantities.
Typically, neon signs are made from glass tubes with electrodes on each end. When an electric current is applied, the electrodes attract and separate atoms of the gas, making them positively charged (ionized). This is what causes those famous glows we see in neon signs.
The color of the glow depends on how far apart the atoms are in energy state (which atomic scientists call vibrational frequency). When electrons in ionized neon gain or lose energy, they can release photons—that is, light. This is what makes a sign look red, blue, green, yellow, or whatever other hue you see in the sign.
When you switch the current off, the atoms return to their neutral states and the tube becomes clear again. Scientists first isolated neon in 1898, working with argon and krypton gas. It was the last of the noble gases to be discovered, fitting in just above argon on the periodic table.
The inertness of the gas makes it ideal for luminous signs, though it is also used as a cryogenic refrigerant and as an indicator for high voltages. Astronomers also find it in planet-forming disks around young stars, helping them track the stages of star formation. While neon is inert and nontoxic, it can be hazardous if inhaled at high concentrations—it can act as an asphyxiant by displacing oxygen in the lungs.
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