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Argon Basics Cheat Sheet

by 7kokcmax71

1. General Information

  • Symbol: Ar
  • Atomic Number: 18
  • Atomic Mass: 39.95 u
  • Group: 18 (Noble Gases)
  • Period: 3
  • Block: p-block
  • Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶
  • Valence Electrons: 8 (Full outer shell)
  • Phase at Room Temperature: Gas

2. Isotopes of Argon

Isotope Protons Neutrons Abundance Notes
³⁶Ar 18 18 0.34% Stable.
³⁸Ar 18 20 0.06% Stable.
⁴⁰Ar 18 22 99.6% Most abundant.

3. Physical Properties

  • Color: Colorless
  • Odor: Odorless
  • Density: 1.784 g/L (at STP)
  • Melting Point: -189.3°C
  • Boiling Point: -185.8°C
  • State at STP: Gas
  • Conductivity: Poor conductor of heat and electricity.

4. Chemical Properties

  • Inert and Non-Reactive:
    • Full outer electron shell makes argon chemically stable.
    • Does not form compounds under normal conditions.
  • Non-Flammable and Non-Toxic.
  • Under Extreme Conditions:
    • Can form argon fluorohydride (HArF) at extremely low temperatures.

5. Occurrence and Abundance

  • Third most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere (0.93%).
  • Found in:
    • Air (by volume): Extracted during liquid air distillation.
    • Mineral Decay: Produced through the radioactive decay of potassium-40 (K-40).
  • In the Universe: 12th most abundant element.

6. Industrial Production of Argon

  • Fractional Distillation of Liquid Air:
    • Argon is separated during the production of liquid oxygen and nitrogen.
    Air → Argon + Oxygen + Nitrogen (Distillation)  
    

7. Uses of Argon

Application Description
Welding and Metalworking Provides inert atmosphere for arc welding.
Lighting Fills incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
Lasers Argon-ion lasers used in surgery and optics.
Food Preservation Replaces oxygen to prevent spoilage.
Electronics Protects silicon crystals during manufacturing.
Fire Suppression Systems Displaces oxygen to smother fires.
Scientific Research Used in cryogenics and particle detection.

8. Important Argon Applications

  • Incandescent Bulbs: Extends the life of the filament by preventing oxidation.
  • Double-Glazed Windows: Argon gas between panes improves insulation.
  • 3D Printing: Creates inert environments for metal printing.
  • Medical Lasers: Argon lasers are used in eye surgery and dermatology.

9. Biological Role of Argon

  • No known biological function.
  • Non-toxic and inert – Safe for use in food and medical applications.

10. Argon in Environmental Chemistry

  • Stable in the Environment: Argon does not react or degrade.
  • Radioactive Decay Product: Argon-40 forms through potassium-40 decay, important in geological dating.

11. Safety and Hazards

  • Asphyxiation Risk:
    • Argon can displace oxygen in confined spaces, leading to suffocation.
  • Handling Precautions:
    • Use in well-ventilated areas.
    • Store in pressurized cylinders.
  • Non-Flammable: No risk of fire or explosion.

Fun Facts About Argon:

  • Argon means “lazy” in Greek, referencing its inert nature.
  • Discovered in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay.
  • Argon lasers are used in holography and surgery.
  • The blue glow in neon signs is often from argon gas, not neon!

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