Science
Argon is one of the chemical elements found in the periodic table. It is categorized as a noble gas. Argon is the third most common and abundant gas found in Earth's atmosphere (0.93 percent). Argon is a byproduct of the production of oxygen and nitrogen in the air.
History
Discovery
Argon was discovered by two chemists, Sir William Ramsay and Lord Rayleigh, in 1894. It was the first noble gas to be discovered.
Properties
Properties
The symbol for argon is Ar, and its atomic number is 18. It has an atomic weight of 39.948. Argon's melting point is 83.80 K and boiling point is 87.30 K. Argon is difficult to detect as it is colorless, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic in all its forms.
Isotopes
Isotopes.
Natural argon is a mixture of three isotopes. Twelve other radioactive isotopes are known to exist.
Scientific Uses
Lightbulbs contain argon.
Argon is used to fill incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs to prevent corroding. Because it is cheap, argon is frequently used when an inert gas is needed. Argon is also used in the production of titanium and other reactive elements.
Inert Gas
Inert Gas.
Argon is used as an inert gas for growing semiconductor crystals, arc welding and other processes that require shielding from other atmospheric gases. Argon is also used for extinguishing fires when damage to equipment is to be avoided.
Common Uses
Argon is used in scuba diving.
Argon is used for thermal insulating in energy-efficient windows. It is also used to inflate scuba diving dry suits.
