What is argon?

Argon (Ar)

Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is a noble gas, belonging to group 18 of the periodic table. Here's some information about it:

• Basic Properties: Argon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic gas under standard conditions. It is chemically inert and forms virtually no chemical compounds. Learn more about its basic properties.

• Discovery: Argon was discovered in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay. They isolated it from air after removing nitrogen, oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide. Learn more about its discovery.

• Occurrence: Argon is the third most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, comprising about 0.934% by volume. It's also found in trace amounts in some minerals. Learn more about its occurrence.

• Isotopes: Naturally occurring argon is composed of three stable isotopes: argon-36, argon-38, and argon-40. Argon-40 is produced by the radioactive decay of potassium-40 in rocks, and is used in potassium-argon dating. Learn more about isotopes.

• Production: Argon is commercially produced by the fractional distillation of liquid air. This process separates the various gases based on their different boiling points. Learn more about its production.

• Uses: Argon has many uses, including:

  • Welding: As a shielding gas to prevent oxidation during welding.
  • Lighting: In incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
  • Preservation: For preserving documents and other materials by preventing oxidation.
  • Medical: In some laser surgeries and cryosurgery.
  • Laboratory: As an inert atmosphere for chemical reactions. Learn more about its uses.

• Inertness: Argon's inertness is due to its full outermost electron shell, making it very stable and unreactive. It rarely forms chemical bonds with other elements. Learn more about its inertness.