Periodic Table: 18. Argon | 25 Feb 2023 | @rey01v

Chemical element argon has the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is a member of the noble gases family and is an inert, colorless gas. This indicates that it is very stable, inert, and does not easily combine with other elements to form compounds.

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The third most common gas in the atmosphere after nitrogen and oxygen, argon makes up around 0.93% of the atmosphere of the Planet. Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay, two British physicists, made the initial discovery in 1894. The density of nitrogen gas obtained from chemical compounds and the density of nitrogen gas received from the atmosphere were found to differ. This made them suspect the presence of an unidentified gas, which they ultimately determined to be argon.

Because to its inert and non-reactive characteristics, argon is used in a wide range of industries. One of its main use is as a shielding gas in welding and other high-temperature industrial processes to stop the metal being worked on from oxidizing and becoming contaminated. Moreover, it is utilized in fluorescent tubes, plasma displays, and lightbulbs to create an inert environment that slows down the filament's rate of filament deterioration.

Argon is a gas that is utilized in medicine during laser surgery to keep the surrounding tissue cold and safe. In order to identify and examine trace levels of substances, it is also utilized in mass spectrometry and gas chromatography.

Uses of Argon

Welding:

Argon is used as a shielding gas during welding to stop the metal from oxidizing and being contaminated. TIG (tungsten inert gas) and MIG (metal inert gas) welding frequently employ it.

Lighting:

Plasma displays, fluorescent tubes, and incandescent light bulbs are just a few of the lighting devices that require argon. In addition to increasing the brightness of the light, it creates an inert environment that stops the filament from burning out too soon.

Medical:

The use of argon during laser surgery helps to keep the surrounding tissue cold and safe. In order to identify and examine trace levels of substances, it is also utilized in mass spectrometry and gas chromatography.

Industrial:

Argon is utilized to provide an inert environment during the manufacture process of semiconductors, among other industrial applications. Metals like titanium and zirconium are also created using it.

Scientific research:

Argon is utilized in scientific research, such as in the study of geology and climate change. In order to find leaks in storage tanks and pipes, it is frequently employed as a tracer gas.

Conclusion

Argon is a crucial component with several applications in a variety of industries, from welding to the medical sector. Although being abundant in the atmosphere, it wasn't until the late 19th century that it was found, and since then it has proven to be a significant resource for a variety of uses. Its special qualities, such as its inertness and non-reactivity, make it a versatile element with applications in a number of fields, including the fabrication of metals, semiconductors, and scientific research. Moreover, its abundance in the atmosphere makes it a conveniently available and cost-effective option for many applications, including as a shielding gas in welding and as an inert environment in lighting and medical applications. Overall, argon has become a useful resource in a variety of industries, from welding to scientific study, because to its versatility and accessibility.