Neon is a chemical element with the atomic number 10 and the chemical symbol Ne. Under standard conditions, it is a colorless, odorless, and monatomic inert gas or noble gas, with almost two-thirds the density of air. Neon is relatively rare on Earth. If you love to experiment with chemical elements, then you will surely get amazed after knowing some interesting facts about neon.
The reason for the relative rarity of neon on our planet Earth and other inner planets is that neon is highly volatile and it forms no compounds with other elements to fix it to solids. Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the element neon.
1. “Neon” Is Derived From “Neos”
The word “Neon” is derived from the Greek word “neos”, which means “new”.
2. Neon Is Both Abundant And Rare
Neon gas is considered both abundant and rare and it depends on where you’re looking for it. Neon is the fifth most abundant element in the universe by mass, after hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and carbon.
However, in the Earth’s atmosphere, neon is a particularly rare gas. Only 0.0018% of the atmosphere of our Earth consists of neon.
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3. 10 Liters Of Neon Gas Is Present In The Average Home
Even though neon gas is rare and expensive on Earth, there are approximately 10 liters of neon gas present in the average home in the USA. If you could gather all the neon from the rooms of a new home in the United States, you would get about 10 liters of neon gas.
4. Neon Gas Was Discovered In 1898
Neon gas was discovered in London in 1898 by the chemists Sir William Ramsay of Scotland and Morris W. Travers of England.
5. Neon Is The Second-lightest Inert Gas
Neon is the second lightest noble gas or inert gas after helium.
6. Liquid Neon Is Used As A Cryogenic Refrigerant
Liquid neon has over 40 times more refrigerating capacity or cooling capacity per unit volume than liquid helium and more than 3 times that of liquid hydrogen. Thus, Liquid neon is used as an important cryogenic refrigerant.
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7. Neon Is Produced Within Large Stars
One of the interesting facts about neon is that it is produced within large-mass stars or stars with a mass that is equivalent to at least eight times that of the Earth’s sun.
It is created during the alpha process of stars when helium and oxygen atoms are fused together. Thus, neon is a much more abundant element in stars.
8. Neon Is Expensive
Neon, as liquid or gas, is relatively expensive, because it is very rare on Earth. Because of its rarity, liquid neon is about 55 times more expensive than liquid helium, which means that the price of liquid neon can be more than 55 times that of liquid helium.
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9. Neon Lamps Are Very Popular
Due to the huge popularity of neon lamps, these are considered one of the 12 main types of electric lamps.
10. Neon Can Cause Vomiting And Loss Of Consciousness
Inhalation of neon in excessive concentrations can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
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These are 10 fun and interesting facts about neon.
FAQ: 10 Fun And Interesting Facts About Neon
As people have lots of questions related to neon, here I have given brief answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q1. When Was Neon Gas Discovered?
Ans: Neon gas was discovered in 1898 in London by the chemists Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers.
Q2. Is Neon A Cryogenic Refrigerant?
Ans: Liquid neon is used as a cryogenic refrigerant, as liquid neon has over 40 times more refrigerating capacity per unit volume than liquid helium.
Q3. Why Is Neon So Expensive?
Ans: Neon is relatively expensive, as both liquid and gas, because it is very rare on Earth. Due to its rarity, liquid neon is around 55 times more expensive than liquid helium.
Q4. Do Stars Produce Neon?
Ans: Neon is produced within large mass stars during the alpha process of stars, when helium and oxygen atoms are fused together. Because of that, neon is a much more abundant element in stars.
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