Neon (Ne) is a chemical element with the atomic number 10. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, existing as a single atom rather than bonding with others under standard conditions. The element is a small component of Earth’s atmosphere, but it is one of the most abundant elements in the universe, synthesized in stars through the alpha-capture process.
Neon’s Official Group Number
Neon is located in Group 18 of the modern Periodic Table, the far-right column. This placement immediately categorizes neon as a member of the noble gas family. This numbering system is approved by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Older classification systems sometimes referred to this column by different numbers, such as Group VIIIA or, historically, Group 0. The designation of Group 0 reflected the belief that these elements were entirely inert and formed no compounds whatsoever. Group 18 is now the universally accepted standard for this column.
Characteristics of the Noble Gas Group
The placement of neon in Group 18 is determined by its electron configuration. Every element in this group, except helium, possesses a full outer shell of eight valence electrons. This completed outer shell provides maximum stability for the atom, making the noble gases highly unreactive. Because neon already has this stable configuration, it has very little tendency to participate in chemical reactions. This lack of reactivity means that noble gases exist as single, isolated atoms, or monatomic gases, rather than molecules.
The elements in Group 18 also share the highest ionization energies within their respective rows, meaning it takes a large amount of energy to remove an electron from them. They also have very low boiling and melting points, which are reflective of the weak intermolecular forces acting between the atoms.
Essential Properties and Uses of Neon
Neon is commercially obtained as a byproduct of the fractional distillation of liquid air. Despite being present in the atmosphere at only about 18 parts per million, it has several important commercial applications. The most recognizable use of neon is in advertising signs and high-voltage indicators. When an electrical current is passed through neon gas at low pressure, the gas emits a distinct, bright reddish-orange light, although other noble gases are used to create different colors.
In its liquid state, neon is an effective cryogenic refrigerant due to its low boiling point of approximately -246 degrees Celsius. Liquid neon provides a greater refrigerating capacity per unit volume than liquid helium, making it suitable for cooling sensitive electronic equipment. Neon is also used in the production of certain lasers, specifically the helium-neon laser.