Argon-Properties And Applications

Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is a noble gas and the third-most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere, making up about 0.934% of the atmosphere. It was first isolated in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay.

Property	Value
Name	Argon
Symbol	Ar
Atomic number	18
Relative atomic mass (Ar)	39.948 g, r
Standard state	Gas at 298 K
Appearance	Colourless
Classification	Non-metallic
Period in the periodic table	18
Group name	Noble gas
Block in the periodic table	3
Block in periodic table	p
Shell structure	2.8.8
CAS Registry	7440-37-1

Physical Properties

Argon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is denser than air. It has a boiling point of −185.848 °C (−302.526 °F) and a melting point of −189.344 °C (−308.852 °F). It is monatomic, which means it exists as single atoms instead of molecules.

Chemical Properties

Argon is a noble gas, which means it is non-reactive and does not easily form compounds with other elements. Its electron configuration makes it highly stable, and it has a full outer shell of electrons. As a result, argon is used in various applications where an inert atmosphere is required, such as welding and metal fabrication.

Electron Configuration of Argon

Argon (Ar), a noble gas known for its inertness, has 18 electrons. Its configuration is 1s²2s²2p⁶ showing how electrons fill the subshells.

Electron Configuration of Argon Via Bohr Model

Electron Configuration of Argon Via Aufbau Principle

Facts

Argon is named after the Greek word “argos,” which means “inactive.” It was the first noble gas to be discovered, and it has the symbol Ar on the periodic table. Argon is produced by the decay of potassium-40 in the Earth’s crust, and it is also present in the atmosphere of Mars.

Applications

Argon is used in various applications, including welding and metal fabrication, as an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation and other chemical reactions. It is also used in incandescent light bulbs to prevent the filament from oxidizing and in the production of semiconductors.

In the medical industry, argon is used in cryosurgery and laser eye surgery. Additionally, argon is used in the production of neon signs, as a coolant in gas chromatography, and in gas lasers.