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argon

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is a noble gas, which means that it is chemically inert and does not react with other elements. Argon is the third most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, after nitrogen and oxygen.

Argon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas. It is also a very inert gas, which means that it does not react with other elements. This makes it very useful in a variety of applications, including:

  • Light bulbs: Argon is used in light bulbs to prevent the tungsten filament from burning up.
  • Welding: Argon is used in welding to protect the weld from the atmosphere.
  • Cryogenics: Argon is used in cryogenics to cool objects to very low temperatures.
  • Medical imaging: Argon is used in medical imaging to provide contrast in X-rays and CT scans.
  • Argon is a very important gas, and it has a variety of uses in our everyday lives.

How can the word be used?

Argon is the third most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere.

argon

Different forms of the word

Noun: argon.

Adjective: argoneous.

Verb: to argonise (to fill something with argon).

Adverb: argonically.

Etymology

The word "argon" comes from the Greek word "ἀργόν" (argón), which means "lazy" or "inactive." The Greek word "ἀργόν" is derived from the word "ἀργός" (argos), which means "idle" or "inactive.".

Question

What can argon be used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What is argon, and what are its key properties and common applications?

Answer:

  • Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is a noble gas, a group of elements known for their inert and non-reactive nature. Key properties of argon include its colourless, odourless, and tasteless characteristics. It is the third most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. Argon finds common applications in various industries, such as providing an inert atmosphere for welding and metalworking, as a filling gas in fluorescent lights, and as a protective gas in industrial processes to prevent oxidation.