Question

Difficulty: MediumNoble Gases: Isolation, Electronic Structure, and Uses

Match each noble gas listed on the left with its corresponding primary industrial application or physical property on the right.

  • Helium (HeHe)Filling weather balloons and providing low-density lifting gas
  • Neon (NeNe)Advertising discharge tubes emitting a brilliant reddish-orange glow
  • Argon (ArAr)Providing an inert gas shield during electric arc welding of metals
  • Krypton (KrKr)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

1
Evaluate the unique physical characteristics and electronic stability of each Group 18 element.
Helium has low density and 1s21s^2 duplet stability; Neon, Argon, and Krypton have complete ns2np6ns^2 np^6 octets with specific emission spectra and densities.
Specific industrial uses rely on unreactivity, density, optical emission, or thermal conductivity.
2
Correlate each gas to its technological application.
Helium \rightarrow weather balloons; Neon \rightarrow orange signboards; Argon \rightarrow arc welding shield; Krypton \rightarrow runway beacons.
Matching properties ensures optimal performance and safety in industrial contexts.

Key Concept

Noble gases possess full valence energy levels (1s21s^2 for HeHe, ns2np6ns^2 np^6 for others), making them chemically unreactive and suitable for specialized optical, atmospheric, and cryogenic applications.
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