Noble Gas - All Hail the Majesty of Inert Gases!
Noble gases are a group of elements that are known for their lack of reactivity, but don’t let their noble exterior fool you - these gases are full of surprises!
History and Discovery
The first noble gas, helium, was discovered in 1868 by Pierre Janssen, when he noticed a yellow line in the spectrum of the sun which didn’t match any known element. William Ramsay and John William Strutt isolated the remaining noble gases and became the kings of the inert gas nation. Ramsay was hailed for discovering argon, neon, krypton, and xenon, but in a fitting twist, he needed to call on the help of his own son to discover the sixth and final addition to the noble gas family, radon.
Noble by Name, Noble by Nature
The term “noble” gas refers to their stable atomic structure - they have eight electrons in their outermost shell, which means they don’t need to bond with other atoms to fill it up. This makes them unreactive, also known as inert. They’re like that one friend in your group who’s always sitting on the couch, not really doing anything, but still manages to look cool and at ease.
Some Noble Gas Fun Facts
Helium is the second lightest element in existence, and when you inhale it, your voice turns into hilarious high-pitched squeaks.
Neon lights up in bright colors when an electric current passes through it, making it a go-to for entertaining shuffleboard enthusiasts at your local bowling alley.
Krypton may be the name of a planet in the DC Comics universe, but in its gaseous form, it’s primarily used in lighting and photography. It also has the added bonus of being able to fend off Superman.
Radon may be the black sheep of the noble gas family, but it has a charming personality. It’s radioactive, odorless, and colorless, making it the perfect gas to prank your friends with by claiming it’s an invisible air freshener.
A Royal Conclusion
Noble gases may not be as commonly used as other elements, but their stable nature and unique properties make them the cool kids of the periodic table. They’re so awesome, they even have their own full house on the periodic table, making them truly a noble group of elements. So let’s raise a can of neon-lit beer and toast to the kingpins of unreactivity, the majestic noble gases! Hail to the noble king!