The 6 Noble Gases
By: Max, Liz, & Olivia
What Makes Them So Noble?
Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn) are the main 6 Noble Gases. These 6 elements are all elements that are naturally in a gaseous state. There is a 7th element in the same group called "Ununoctium" (Uuo) which used to be also considered a noble gas, but was redacted when chemists discovered that it may actually be a solid instead of a gas.
Helium (He)
Helium is the second element on the periodic table. It is the least reactive element and also the most abundant in the universe. Helium has an oxidation state of 0. Helium is used in balloons to make them float, and can also be used to cool down rocket ships.
Neon (Ne)
Neon is the tenth element on the periodic table. It is an inert element and has an oxidation state of 0 (just like Helium). Neon is used in lights, lasers, and high voltage indicators.
Argon (Ar)
Argon is the eighteenth element on the periodic table. Along with Neon and Helium it is also an inert element and has an oxidation state of 0. It is primarily used for welding alloys and in the production of light bulbs.
Krypton (Kr)
Krypton is the thirty sixth element on the periodic table. It has an oxidation state of 0. Argon is used in photographic flashes and some light bulbs. Argon is also the 3rd most abundant element in the atmosphere.
Xenon (Xe)
Xenon is the fifty fourth element on the periodic table. It has an oxidation state of 0. Xenon is used in lots of different lasers, but is mostly used in car headlights. Xenon was also the first element to be synthesized.
Radon (Rn)
Known most famously for its "silent killer" reputation in the world, Radon (the eighty sixth element on the periodic table) is an invisible gas that can cause harm or even death to anyone exposed to it for a long time.
Fun Facts About Noble Gases
Why are they called "Noble Gases"?
- They were originally named "Inert Gases" because scientists believed that the gases wouldn't react with other elements, but this was changed to "Noble Gases" as an alternate name.
How many Helium balloons would it take take to lift the average human?
- About 571 balloons.
What chemistry related song was released by Demi Lovato in 2013?
- "Neon Lights"