Match each noble gas listed on the left with its corresponding primary industrial application or physical property on the right.
- Helium ()Filling weather balloons and providing low-density lifting gas
- Neon ()Advertising discharge tubes emitting a brilliant reddish-orange glow
- Argon ()Providing an inert gas shield during electric arc welding of metals
- Krypton ()Filling high-intensity luminous lamps used in airport runway beacons
Answer
Helium corresponds to filling weather balloons; Neon corresponds to reddish-orange advertising discharge tubes; Argon corresponds to an inert gas shield during electric arc welding; Krypton corresponds to high-intensity airport runway lamps.
Helium is chosen for balloons because it is light and non-flammable. Neon produces a characteristic reddish-orange light when ionized in sign tubes. Argon is abundant and unreactive, ideal for protecting molten metals during arc welding. Krypton increases filament efficiency and brightness in specialized high-intensity beacons.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Noble gases possess full valence energy levels ( for , for others), making them chemically unreactive and suitable for specialized optical, atmospheric, and cryogenic applications.