An Inert Noble
Gas
Quick Facts
Chemical Symbol: Ne Atomic Number: 10
Atomic Mass: 20.1797
Standard State: gas at 298 degrees K
Period: 2
Group: 18
Its group is the NOBLE GASES.
Block: p-block
Color: colorless
Odor: odorless
Taste: tasteless
Classification: Nonmetal
Electron Configuration: [He]2s22p6
Isotopes: Neon is a combination of 3 isotopes. 5 unstable isotopes of Neon are known.
Melting Point: 248.67°C
Boiling Point: -246.048°C (1 atm)
Presence in Atmosphere: 1 part in 65000 of air
Word Origin: Greek neos meaning "new"
How Obtained:
Neon is obtained by liquefaction of air and separation using fractional distillation.
Uses:
Neon signs, neon and helium make gas lasers, lightning arrestors, television tubes, high-voltage indicators, and wave meter tubes. Liquid neon is used as a cryogenic refrigerant.
Glows reddish orange in a vaccum discharge tube.
Potassium
Quick Facts
Chemical Symbol: K
Atomic Number: 19Atomic Mass: 39.0983
Standard State: solid at 298 degrees K
Period: 4
Group: 1
Its group is the ALKALI METALS.
Block: s-block
Color: silvery white
Odor: odorless
Taste: tasteless
Classification: metal
Electron Configuration: [Ar]4s1
Isotopes: 17
Melting Point: 63.25°C
Boiling Point: 760°C
Presence in Atmosphere: None
Prenece in Earth's Crust: 1.5%
Word Origin: English potash pot ashes; Latin kalium, Arabic qali: alkali
Discovery: Sir Humphrey Davy 1807 (England)
Uses:
Fertilizer- potassium, found in most soils, is essential for plant growth.
An alloy of potassium and sodium is used as a heat transfer medium. Potassium salts have many commercial uses.
Soft and easily cut with a knife.
Potassium in found in foods such as bananas, and it is a vital element in the human diet.
