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Xenon-Discovery, Properties, And Applications

October 19, 2023
written by Adeel Abbas

Xenon is a chemical element with the symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas found in trace amounts in the atmosphere.

image of xenon element
PropertyValue
NameXenon
SymbolXe
Atomic number54
Relative atomic mass (Ar)Group in the periodic table
Standard stateGas at 298 K
AppearanceColourless
ClassificationNon-metallic
Period in the periodic table18
Group nameNoble gas
Block in the periodic table5
Block in periodic tablep
Shell structure2.8.18.18.8
CAS Registry7440-63-3

Discovery

Xenon was discovered in England in 1898 by the chemist Sir William Ramsay and his assistant Morris Travers.

Physical Properties

  • Atomic mass: 131.293 u
  • Melting point: -111.9°C
  • Boiling point: -107.1°C
  • Density: 5.894 g/L
  • It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas.

Chemical Properties

  • Xenon is a noble gas and is very unreactive.
  • It forms very few chemical compounds.
  • It can form compounds with fluorine and oxygen.

Facts

  • Xenon is used in various lighting applications such as flash lamps, strobe lights, and lamps for airport runways.
  • It is also used in nuclear energy production and in medical imaging.
  • Xenon is used as an anesthetic in medicine due to its non-toxicity and non-reactivity.

Applications

  • Lighting: Xenon is used in various lighting applications such as flash lamps, strobe lights, and lamps for airport runways.
  • Medical imaging: Xenon is used in medical imaging due to its ability to be detected by specialized equipment.
  • Nuclear energy: Xenon is used in nuclear energy production due to its ability to absorb neutrons.
  • Anesthesia: Xenon is used as an anesthetic in medicine due to its non-toxicity and non-reactivity.

Overall, xenon is a unique noble gas with a variety of applications in industries such as lighting, medical, and nuclear.