Wikijunior:The Elements/Argon

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Shows the position of Argon on the periodic chart.

Argon's symbol on the Periodic Table

[edit] What does it look, feel, taste or smell like?

Argon has no smell. It is an invisible gas. It has no taste. It is non-toxic.

[edit] How was it discovered?

Scottish chemist Sir William Ramsay and English chemist Baron John Willian Strutt Rayleigh discovered Argon in 1894.

[edit] Where did its name come from?

The name Argon comes from argos, the Greek word for lazy. It got this name, because it doesn't react easily with other elements.

[edit] Where is it found?

Argon is found in the air and is a byproduct of the production of oxygen and nitrogen. Argon makes up .93% of the Earth's atmosphere.

[edit] What are its uses?

Canisters containing Argon gas for use in putting out fire without damaging server equipment

Argon can be used to make light signs

Argon can be used to put out fires without damaging electronics. Argon is used in welding arcs and growing semiconductor crystals. It can also be used to make light signs.

[edit] Is it dangerous?

Argon is usually not dangerous; it can be inhaled safely as long as there is also oxygen.

[edit] References

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