3+-+Cleveland+-+Ar

Argon

Symbol: AR Type: Noble Gases Melting Point: 83.85 K (-189.3 °C) Boiling Point: 87.3 K (-185.8 °C) Atomic Mass: 39.948 Color: Colorless Harmful Effects: Argon is considered to be non toxic. Argon has 18 protons, 22 neutrons, 18 electrons

// Characteristics: // 1. Argon is a noble gas. 2. It is odorless and extremely nonreactive. 3. It is, however, not completely inert 4. Argon forms no stable room temperature.

Description: Argon was discovered in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay who sought to explain why nitrogen from air appeared to be heavier than nitrogen released from compounds. They discovered that air-sourced nitrogen contained another gas that is nearly one-and-a-half times denser than nitrogen. After isolating the new gas, the first of the noble gases to be discovered, the scientists named it argon ("the inactive one") and found it made up almost one percent of air.

What we use it for: 1. Argon is used in light bulbs to protect the filament and to provide an nonreactive atmosphere in the vicinity of welding. 2. Argon is also used in the semi-conductor industry to provide an inert atmosphere for silicon and germanium crystal growth. 3. Argon is used for medical lasers, in ophthalmology for example to correct eye defects such as blood vessel leakage, retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration.