Argon - The Chemical Element

Today we will talk about an essential element: Argon. So, first, let us understand what is Argon. Argon is a chemical element. The symbol of Argon is Ar. The argon atomic number is 18. It is a noble gas. It is the third most abundant element on the earth. It is a colourless gas. Argon is an electrical insulator. Industrially it is more effective. It was isolated from the air in 1894 by the British scientist Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay. It is present in the eighteenth column of the periodic table.

In this article, we are going to learn where argon can be found, the uses of argon and the atomic weight of argon. So, let us start learning about this amazing element argon.

Argon

Chemical Properties of Argon

The chemical properties of argon are as follows:

• Symbol of Argon: Ar

• Argon Atomic Number: 18

• Atomic Weight  of Argon: 39.948

• Classification  of Argon: Noble gas

• Phase at Room Temperature: Gas

• The Density of Argon: 1.784 g/L at 0°C

• Melting Point  of Argon: -189.35°C, -308.83°F

• Boiling Point  of Argon: -185.85°C, -302.53°F

Physical Properties of Argon

The physical properties of Argon are as follows:

• It is a colourless, odourless gas.

• It is an inert gas.

• Argon can form some compounds under certain conditions.

• It has the same solubility power as oxygen.

• It shows low thermal conductivity.

Where Argon can be found?

Argon is the third most abundant element on earth after nitrogen. It comprises 1% of the volume of air. It is the most abundant noble gas. Argon is present in the earth’s crust and ocean water in some amount. It is also formed from liquid air as a byproduct of the production of oxygen and nitrogen. The amount of Argon has been increased as radioactive potassium-40 converts into argon as it decays. 

Uses of Argon

The uses of argon are as follows:

• Argon is used in metal industries.

• Argon is used in the production of titanium.

• Argon is used to fill the space between panels in the double dazzled window.

• Argon is used in the welding industry.

• Argon lasers are helpful in the treatment of retinal detachment.

• Agon is used in lightning in neon tubes.

• Argon is used to displace air in food and drinks.

• Argon is used in the preservation of old documents.

• Argon is used in home fixers.

• Argon is used in scuba diving suits.

• Argon is used in providing a blanket atmosphere for the growth of crystals.

Argon

Isotopes of Argon

Argon has three isotopes argon-36, argon-30, and argon-40. These all are stable isotopes of argon. Argon-40 is the isotope of argon that is found naturally on earth. The most common isotope is argon-36.

Isotopes of Argon

Facts About Argon

The facts about argon are as follows:

• Argon is a flavourless gas.

• Argon was the first discovered noble gas.

• The name argon was derived from the Greek word Argos which means inactive.

• Most of the argon is discovered from the radioactive decay of potassium-40.

• The most abundant isotope of argon is argon-36.

• Argon is one of the most abundant noble gases.

• Liquid argon is useful in cryosurgery.

Summary

Argon is a colourless, odourless, flavourless noble gas. It is found in a huge quantity. Argon is the element with the symbol Ar and has an atomic number of 18. It has good solubility power. It is found in the earth's crust as well as in oceans. It is the first noble gas. It has three isotopes  argon-36, argon-30, and argon-40.

Argon is used for many different purposes, like laser surgery, plasma balls, light bulbs, rocket propellant, and glow tubes. Argon gas has no biological function. In this article, we have discussed the uses of argon and the atomic weight of argon.