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💏intro to chemistry review

Ne

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Ne, or neon, is one of the noble gases, a group of highly stable and nonreactive elements found in the rightmost column of the periodic table. As a noble gas, Ne is characterized by its full outer electron shell, which makes it resistant to forming chemical bonds with other elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Neon is the second lightest of the noble gases, with an atomic number of 10 and an atomic weight of 20.1797 g/mol.
  2. Neon is found in the Earth's atmosphere at a concentration of about 18.2 parts per million by volume.
  3. Neon is commercially produced by the fractional distillation of liquid air, a process that separates the components of air based on their different boiling points.
  4. Neon is used in specialized lighting applications, such as neon signs and high-voltage indicators, due to its characteristic bright red-orange glow when excited by an electric current.
  5. Neon is an inert gas, meaning it does not readily form chemical compounds with other elements under normal conditions.

Review Questions

  • Explain the significance of neon's electron configuration in its classification as a noble gas.
    • Neon has a full outer electron shell, with 8 electrons in its outermost energy level. This stable electron configuration makes neon highly resistant to forming chemical bonds with other elements, as it would require a significant amount of energy to disrupt the neon atom's electron arrangement. The full outer shell is the defining characteristic of noble gases, which are known for their inert and nonreactive nature.
  • Describe the commercial production process for neon and how it relates to the properties of the noble gases.
    • Neon is commercially produced by the fractional distillation of liquid air. This process takes advantage of the different boiling points of the various components of air, including the noble gases. Due to their low reactivity and stable nature, the noble gases have distinct boiling points that allow them to be separated and purified through this distillation method. The ability to isolate neon in this way is a direct result of its noble gas properties.
  • Evaluate the unique applications of neon that stem from its characteristic properties as a noble gas.
    • Neon's bright red-orange glow when excited by an electric current is a direct consequence of its electronic structure and noble gas properties. The stable electron configuration of neon allows it to absorb and emit specific wavelengths of light when an electric current is applied, producing the distinctive neon sign lighting. This unique property, combined with neon's inert nature, makes it well-suited for specialized lighting applications that take advantage of its characteristic luminescence. The applications of neon showcase how its noble gas characteristics translate to practical uses.