Neon is a rare, inert gas that has become known for its bright, colorful glow. It is a member of the noble gas group, which is stable and least reactive due to having full valence shells (two electrons for helium; eight for the other noble gases).
Colorless, Monoatomic and Odorless
At room temperature and pressure, neon is a colorless, monatomic (it exists as individual atoms) gas. It is the second-lightest noble gas, after helium, and glows reddish-orange when subjected to electric discharge in a vacuum.
It can also be found liquefied, where it is used as a cryogenic refrigerant with much better freezing properties than helium. Liquid neon is not flammable, but it can cause frostbite when skin contacts it.
Discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers, neon is a member of the noble gas family. The other members are helium, argon, and krypton.
These elements are all stable and have full valence shells. They conduct electricity, light up when a current runs through them and are odorless and tasteless.
Because they are so unreactive, they are often used in scientific research and manufacturing where an inert environment is required. They are also a key ingredient in the photolithography step of silicon semiconductor manufacture.
The neon sign is the most well-known application for this element. It was discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay and his student Morris Travers. It is still used today in eponymous illuminated signs all over the world.
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