Wikijunior:The Elements/Neon
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[edit] What does it look, feel, taste or smell like?
Neon is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature.
[edit] How was it discovered?
It was discovered by chemists William Ramsay and Morris Travers in 1898.
[edit] Where did its name come from?
Neon gets its name from Greek neos, meaning "New".
Did You Know?
- Neon was used in lighting many years ago.
- Neon when in a plasma state, emits a reddish-orange glow.
[edit] Where is it found?
Neon is a gas that is found in the earth's atmosphere, in small amounts. It is the fourth most common element in the atmosphere behind Nitrogen, Oxygen and Argon.
[edit] What are its uses?
Used in lighting and some lasers. Below is an example of the characteristic reddish-orange glow emitted by Neon plasma.
[edit] Is it dangerous?
No. Neon is an inert gas. Because it is ordorless it has no effects. But do not touch the neon lights or you will get burned.
