Neon is a gaseous element with the chemical symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is part of the noble gases group 18 in the Periodic Table, along with helium, argon, krypton, and xenon. Noble gases are named for their resemblance to the old noble metals (gold, silver, platinum). Neon is colorless in its normal state, but it glows reddish orange when an electric discharge passes through it.
When neon is excited by a high voltage electrical current, its electrons gain energy and jump to higher levels on the atomic lattice. This energy is dissipated as light. The color of the light produced depends on how far apart the energy levels are from their original states.
The most familiar application of neon is the illuminated sign, invented by Georges Claude in 1910 and debuted at the Paris Expo. Neon signs are quite robust and can last for up to 20 years. The gas is also used in displays and indicators and as a cryogenic refrigerant for ultra-low temperatures. It is also used in blood gas analysis to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide and other gases in a patient’s blood, as well as in diving equipment, lasers, and high-voltage switching gear.
While nontoxic and chemically inert, if the gas is inhaled in large enough quantities it can cause asphyxiation. Symptoms begin with rapid breathing and air hunger and can progress to a feeling of suffocation, confusion, weakness, nausea, vomiting, prostration, unconsciousness, and death.
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