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where is argon gas found

by Melisa Bashirian Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Argon makes up 0.94% of the Earth's atmosphere and is the third most abundant atmospheric gas. Levels have gradually increased since the Earth was formed because radioactive potassium-40 turns into argon as it decays. Argon is obtained commercially by the distillation of liquid air.

Where does the ideal gas law come from?

The ideal gas law is derived from the observational work of Robert Boyle, Gay-Lussac and Amedeo Avogadro. Combining their observation into a single expression we arrive at the Ideal gas equation which describes all the relationships simultaneously. The three individual expressions are as follows: Boyle’s Law V ∝ 1 P V ∝ 1 P Charle’s Law V ∝ T V ∝ T

Where is argon found and obtained from?

Argon is industrially extracted from liquid air in a cryogenic air separation unit by means of fractional distillation. When nitrogen gas present in the atmosphere is heated using hot calcium or magnesium, a nitride is formed leaving behind small amount of argon as an impurity. It can also be obtained as a by-product while purifying natural gas.

What are the uses of argon gas?

  • In scuba diving, argon is used to inflate dry suits owing to the fact that it has a low thermal conductivity.
  • In a process referred to as Potassium-Argon Dating, it is used for dating ground water, ice cores, igneous rocks, etc.
  • In the field of medicine, it is used in lasers meant to destroy tumors, weld arteries, correct the defects in eyes, etc.

Where did all the argon come from?

Argon was discovered by Sir William Ramsay, a Scottish chemist, and Lord Rayleigh, an English chemist, in 1894. Argon makes up 0.93% of the earth's atmosphere, making it the third most abundant gas.Argon is obtained from the air as a byproduct of the production of oxygen and nitrogen.. Argon is frequently used when an inert atmosphere is needed.

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What can argon be found in?

1894Argon / Discovered

What is argon most commonly used for?

Argon is used popularly within welding and casting industries, especially in the making of specialty alloys and manufacturing titanium. It is also used as a shield gas during arc welding, seeing as it protects the metal that's being worked on from oxygen.

Can you smell argon gas?

Argon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas.

How do you get argon gas?

Argon is industrially extracted from liquid air in a cryogenic air separation unit by means of fractional distillation. When nitrogen gas present in the atmosphere is heated using hot calcium or magnesium, a nitride is formed leaving behind small amount of argon as an impurity.

How is argon produced?

A major portion of terrestrial argon has been produced, since the Earth’s formation, in potassium -containing minerals by decay of the rare, naturally radioactive isotope potassium-40. The gas slowly leaks into the atmosphere from the rocks in which it is still being formed.

What percentage of the atmosphere is argon?

Argon constitutes 1.288 percent of the atmosphere by weight and 0.934 percent by volume and is found occluded in rocks. Although the stable isotopes argon-36 and argon-38 make up all but a trace of this element in the universe, the third stable isotope, argon-40, makes up 99.60 percent of the argon found on Earth.

What temperature does argon gas condense?

Argon gas condenses to a colourless liquid at −185.8 °C (−302.4 °F) and to a crystalline solid at −189.4 °C (−308.9 °F). The gas cannot be liquefied by pressure above a temperature of −122.3 °C (−188.1 °F), and at this point a pressure of at least 48 atmospheres is required to make it liquefy.

What is argon used for?

Argon is isolated on a large scale by the fractional distillation of liquid air. It is used in gas-filled electric light bulbs, radio tubes, and Geiger counters. It also is widely utilized as an inert atmosphere for arc-welding metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel; for the production and fabrication of metals, such as titanium, zirconium, and uranium; and for growing crystals of semiconductors, such as silicon and germanium.

What was the first noble gas to be discovered on Earth?

The heavier gas remaining after both oxygen and nitrogen had been removed from air was the first of the noble gases to be discovered on Earth and was named after the Greek word argos, “lazy,” because of its chemical inertness. ( Helium had been spectroscopically detected in the Sun in 1868.)

Do argon atoms combine?

Argon atoms do not combine with one another; nor have they been observed to combine chemically with atoms of any other element. Argon atoms have been trapped mechanically in cagelike cavities among molecules of other substances, as in crystals of ice or the organic compound hydroquinone (called argon clathrates).

Where is argon found?

Argon is a gaseous element that is found in the earth's atmosphere. Because it is inexpensive, non-toxic, odorless and dissipates rapidly in well-ventilated areas, argon serves a variety of industrial purposes ( 1 ). Argon is found in light bulbs, luxury car tires, window construction and SCUBA dry suits. Argon is also used in arc welding.

What Is Argon Gas?

Argon is a gaseous element that is found in the earth's atmosphere. Because it is inexpensive, non-toxic, odorless and dissipates rapidly in well-ventilated areas, argon serves a variety of industrial purposes ( 1 ).

How Is Argon Gas Used in Window Construction?

Argon is used to fill the spaces between double and triple paned windows. These types of windows are known as "gas fills."

Why Is Argon Gas Used in Windows?

Argon gas does not conduct heat as well as air, so it's an excellent insulator. Gas filled windows also prevent a buildup of frost at the bottom of the window during cold weather ( 3 ).

How Long Does Argon Gas Last in Windows?

It's typical for some argon to leak out of the windows over a period of time, but good windows can last 20 years or more with argon still inside. Even if only a small amount of argon is left, the argon is still an effective insulator and the windows should still be effective ( 9 ).

Why are argon windows better than double pane windows?

Argon windows are more energy efficient than air-filled double and triple paned windows, so they can help lower your home's utility bill over time. To make the right decision, you'll need to know what argon is, why it is commonly used in windows and how argon windows compare to other windows. Here’s what every homeowner should know ...

How to replace argon in a window?

To replace argon, the gas is pumped in via the hole in the spacer. If the seal is broken, the window may need to be repaired or replaced, or the problem will simply occur again.

What is Argon?

Argon (Ar) is an inert colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-corrosive, non-flammable and non-toxic gas.

Industrial Applications

Manufacturing & Metal Fabrication Argon is a welding shielding gas that enhances arc stability and prevents atmospheric contamination of welding pools. Argon is essential to gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). It also prevents oxidation during metal production.

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Discovery and Naming of Argon

In 1785, British scientist Henry Cavendish succeeded in isolating the gas and found that it makes about 1% of air, remaining unreactive even in severe temperatures. However, he was unable to identify the gas and completely comprehend its qualities.

Occurrence in Nature

Argon is the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere, accounting for 0.94 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. When naturally occurring 40K (radioactive potassium) decays to 40Ar, it produces 40Ar. It is commercially generated via fractional distillation, which separates it and other gases from liquid air.

Uses of Argon

Argon lasers are employed in the treatment of diabetic retinal detachment and diabetic phototherapy, as well as in surgeries to fuse arteries and eliminate tumors. The medical field is the primary application for the argon laser system, as it can target areas with exceptional precision.

Health Effects of Argon

Exposure routes: The chemical can be inhaled and absorbed into the body.

Points To Remember

Argon is a noble gas that does not accept or release electrons. As a result, it is unknown if it has an ionic charge.

Sample Questions

Ans. Argon gas is commonly used to fill incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs to prevent oxygen from corroding the bulb's filament (which usually gets heated to very high temperatures).

How much argon is in the atmosphere?

There are 50 trillion tonnes of argon swirling around in the Earth's atmosphere and this has slowly built-up over billions of years, almost all coming from the decay of the radioactive isotope potassium-40 which has a half-life of 12.7 billion years. Although argon makes up 0.93% of the atmosphere it evaded discovery until 1894 when the physicist Lord Rayleigh and the chemist William Ramsay identified it. In 1904 Rayleigh won the Nobel Prize for Physics and Ramsay won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for their work.

When was argon first discovered?

Although argon is abundant in the Earth’s atmosphere, it evaded discovery until 1894 when Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay first separated it from liquid air. In fact the gas had been isolated in 1785 by Henry Cavendish who had noted that about 1% of air would not react even under the most extreme conditions.

How did Ramsay remove nitrogen from the air?

Ramsay removed all the nitrogen from the gas he had extracted from air, and did this by reacting it with hot magnesium, forming the solid magnesium nitride. He was then left with a gas that would not react and when he examined its spectrum he saw new groups of red and green lines, confirming that it was a new element.

What is the use of argon in welding?

Uses and properties. The image reflects the use of the element in the welding industry. Argon provides an inert atmosphere in which welded metals will not oxidise. Argon is a colourless, odourless gas that is totally inert to other substances. Argon is often used when an inert atmosphere is needed.

Why is argon used in inert atmosphere?

Argon is often used when an inert atmosphere is needed. It is used in this way for the production of titanium and other reactive elements. It is also used by welders to protect the weld area and in incandescent light bulbs to stop oxygen from corroding the filament.

Is argon a biological element?

Argon has no known biological role. Natural abundance. Argon makes up 0.94% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is the third most abundant atmospheric gas. Levels have gradually increased since the Earth was formed because radioactive potassium-40 turns into argon as it decays.

When was argon discovered?

Argon is an inert (or “noble”) gas and is listed in the periodic table as "Ar." This noble gas was discovered in 1894 by Sir William Ramsay and Lord Rayleigh. Argon is manufactured by distilling the liquid air and is one of the most abundant gases (third most abundant) in the ...

What are the properties of argon?

Argon, abbreviated Ar, is element number 18 on the periodic table, making it the third-lightest of the six noble gases behind helium (atomic number 2) and neon (number 10). As befits an element that flies under the chemical and physical radar unless provoked, it is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

What gases are used to make neon lights?

Neon Lights: As described, noble gases are handy for creating neon lights. Argon, along with neon and krypton, is used for this purpose. When electricity passes through the argon gas, it temporarily excites the outermost orbiting electrons and causes them to briefly jump to a higher "shell," or energy level.

What is argon used for?

Five major uses of argon, for example, include its placement in neon lights, its ability to help determine the age of very old substances, its use as an insulator in manufacturing metals, its role as a welding gas and its use in 3-D printing.

How many protons does potassium have?

Potassium ordinarily has 19 protons and 21 neutrons, giving it about the same atomic mass as argon (just under 40) but with a different composition of protons and neutrons. When a radioactive particle known as a beta-particle collides with potassium, it can convert one of the protons in the nucleus of potassium to a neutron, changing the atom itself to argon (18 protons, 22 neutrons). This occurs at a predictable and fixed rate over time, and very slowly. So if scientists examine a sample of, say, volcanic rock, they can compare the ratio of argon to potassium in the sample (which rises incrementally over time) to the ratio that would exist in a "brand-new" sample, and determine how old the rock is.

Why is argon used in metal production?

Metal Production:Similar to its role in welding, argon can be used in the synthesis of metals via other processes because it prevents oxidation (rusting) and displaces unwanted gases such as carbon monoxide.

Why is argon used in printing?

During the rapid heating and cooling of the printing material, the gas will prevent oxidation of the metal and other reactions and can limit stress impact. Argon can also be mixed with other gases to create specialty blends as needed.

Where does argon come from?

Most of the argon on Earth comes from the radioactive decay of potassium-40 into argon-40. Over 99% of the argon on earth consists of the isotope Ar-40.

When was Argon first discovered?

In 1957, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry ( IUPAC) changed argon's symbol to Ar and mendelevium's symbol from Mv to Md. Argon was the first discovered noble gas. Henry Cavendish had suspected the element's existence in 1785 from his examination of samples of air.

What is liquid argon used for?

Liquid argon is used in cryosurgery, to destroy cancerous tissue. Argon plasma beams and laser beams are also used in medicine. Argon may be used to make a breathing mix called Argox to help remove dissolved nitrogen from the blood during decompression, as from deep-sea diving.

What is argon used for?

It's used as a protective gas for welding, storing sensitive chemicals, and protecting materials. Sometimes pressurized argon is used as a propellant in aerosol cans.

What is the name of the element that is inert at room temperature?

This refers to the element's resistance to forming chemical bonds.Argon is considered to be chemically inert at room temperature and pressure. Most of the argon on Earth comes from the radioactive decay of potassium-40 into argon-40.

What is the atomic number of argon?

Argon is atomic number 18 on the periodic table, with the element symbol Ar. Here is a collection of useful and interesting argon element facts.

What elements were removed from the air sample?

Rayleigh and Ramsay removed the nitrogen, oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide and examined the remaining gas. Although other elements were present in the residue of air, they accounted for very little of the total mass of the sample. The element name "argon" comes from the Greek word argos, which means inactive.

What is Argon Gas?

Found naturally in the atmosphere, argon is an inert gas that is non-toxic and can be used as a filler in pressurized containers. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless and is regarded for its insulating properties – which is the main reason why it is often inserted between two window panes.

Five Argon Gas Window Considerations

When installing argon gas windows, the R-value – the amount of heat retained by your window – increases slightly. According to Consumer Reports, adding argon gas to your windows increases the R-value by around half a point, which is undoubtedly better than nothing.

Verdict - Are Argon Gas Windows Worth It?

Opting for an argon gas filling in your windows is a smart move, as it is likely to increase the insulating quality of your windows and could offer a potential long-term money-saving.

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1.Argon - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argon

36 hours ago Argon (Ar) is a noble gas that comprises 0.93 % of the earth’s atmosphere. Argon provides an inert and clean environment free from nitrogen and oxygen for annealing and rolling metals and …

2.Videos of Where Is Argon gas Found

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10 hours ago  · Argon can also be found in natural gas wells. Some argon can be recovered as a by-product of the natural gas purification process. Also Read: Organic compounds Isotopes …

3.What Is Argon Gas? How Is It Used in Windows?

Url:https://www.championwindow.com/window-buyers-guide/what-is-argon-gas/

12 hours ago Argon makes up 0.94% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is the third most abundant atmospheric gas. Levels have gradually increased since the Earth was formed because radioactive …

4.Argon - Airgas

Url:https://www.airgas.com/resources/gases101/argon

26 hours ago  · Found naturally in the atmosphere, argon is an inert gas that is non-toxic and can be used as a filler in pressurized containers. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless and is …

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