Neon is a noble gas that is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It is also lighter than air and noncombustible under normal conditions. Like other noble gases, neon is inert and does not react with other elements. However, it can form unstable compounds and weak bonds under very specific (extreme) conditions. This includes Van der Waals molecules and clathrates as well as molecular ions and excimers. It has also been suggested that neon may form a compound with fluorine, although this is not yet proven.
Most people are familiar with the glowing red neon signs that adorn many shop windows. The light comes from an alternating current passing through two electrodes at either end of the tube. The electricity creates enough energy to make atoms of the neon and argon in the tube separate, or ionise. The electrons ionised in the neon atom have more kinetic energy than neutral ones, so they attract each other and create a plasma that carries electrical current between the tube’s electrodes.
The colour of the glow depends on the combination of neon and argon and on their individual energy levels. Different combinations produce different colours. The temperature and pressure of the gases, as well as the amount of electrical current passed through the tube also affect the colour. This is why you will see neon signs in a variety of sizes and styles and can find it in various types of lighting. The glow of neon is very useful to astronomers too, helping them track the gas content of the disks around young stars.
Smartivity DIY Robotic Mechanical Hand STEM Toy for Kids 8-14 Years Old | Parents Choice Award Winner I Birthday Gift for Kids | Engineering Kit for 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Years Old Boys & Girls
$24.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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.)
Blue Marble National Geographic Magic Chemistry Set – Science Kit for Kids with 10 Amazing Magic Tricks, STEM Projects and Science Experiments, Science Toys, Great Gift for Boys and Girls 8-12
$17.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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 Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8 | Christmas, Birthday Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Girls | STEM Toy Kit with 50+ Experiments | Learning & Educational Projects
$24.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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 Ultimate Volcano Kit – Erupting Volcano Science Kit for Kids, 3X More Eruptions, Pop Crystals Create Exciting Sounds, STEM Science & Educational Toys (Amazon Exclusive)
$17.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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 Amazing Chemistry Set - Chemistry Kit with 100+ Science Experiments Including Crystal Growing and Reactions, Science Kit for Kids, STEM Gift for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)
$39.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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 Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit - Grow Your Own Giant Glow in The Dark Crystal in a Few Days, Science Kit, Grow Crystals for Kids, STEM Toys (Amazon Exclusive)
$15.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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.)
Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand STEM Experiment Kit | Build Your Own GIANT Hydraulic Amazing Gripping Capabilities Adjustable for Different Sizes Learn Pneumatic Systems
$29.65 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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 My First Science Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8 | Christmas, Birthday Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Boys & Girls | Toy Stem Kit with 50+ Experiments | Learning & Educational Projects
$24.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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 Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8 | Christmas, Birthday Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Girls | STEM Toy Kit with 100+ Experiments | Learning & Educational Projects
$32.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 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.)