Neon is the chemical element known for its vibrant red-orange glow that makes it a staple of Christmas lights and signs. But there’s a lot more to neon than meets the eye. Neon is one of the noble gases, a group that also includes helium, argon, krypton, xenon and radon. These elements are so named because they have very little chemical reactivity.
The element is a gas at room temperature, but when exposed to electricity, it produces the glowing effect we know and love. To make this happen, the atoms are excited. When an alternating current passes through a neon tube, it creates enough energy to shake loose some of the electrons in the atoms and cause them to fly off. This is called the “discharge” of the gas, and it gives rise to the beautiful glow we know as neon.
Once an atom has lost its electrons, it can no longer “bond” to other atoms. So, it floats around in the tube until it reaches another charged atom, which will attract it with a force called electrostatic attraction. The resulting ion pairs have positive and negative charges, so they are drawn together like magnets, and that is how the glowing discharge happens.
In its liquefied form, neon is used as a cryogenic refrigerant for its high cooling capacity. It can maintain a very low temperature and has 40 times the refrigeration capacity of liquid helium, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. It is also produced in glass tubes for high voltage indicators and combined with helium to make helium-neon lasers.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Gemstone Dig Kit – Dig Up 15 Real Gemstones and Crystals, Science Kit for Kids, Gem Digging Kit, Gift for Girls and Boys, Mining Kit, Rock Collection
$24.99 (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.)
Battat Education – Tracing Light Box for Kids – Sensory Light Up Board – Educational Toys for Toddlers – Includes Double – Sided Tracing Cards – Bright Explorer
$42.99 (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.)
Wow in The World – 10 Real Break-Open Crystal Geodes with Display Case – Bonus Goggles & Magnifying Glass, Companion Audio Content, STEM Toy for Boys & Girls 6+ by Thames & Kosmos
$11.33 (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 Kits for Kids Crafts 6-8 8-12, Boys Gifts Toys for 6 7 8 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift Ideas, STEM Toys Crafts 6+ 7+ yr, Robotics Science Kits Activities Robot Building Age 8-10 9 10 11 12 13 14
$18.99 (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.)
National Geographic Amazing Chemistry Set - Chemistry Kit with 45 Science Experiments Including Crystal Growing and Reactions, Science Kit for Kids, STEM Gift for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)
$39.99 (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.)
Insect Lore Raise and Release Butterfly Garden Kit – Caterpillar Habitat with redeemable Voucher – STEM-accredited Butterfly Growing Kit for Kids, Classrooms, and Homeschool Learning
$24.99 (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.)