Argon

Argon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas that makes up about 1% of Earth's atmosphere. It's chemically inert, meaning it rarely reacts with other substances. argon is produced industrially by fractional distillation of liquid air. Due to its inertness, it's used in various applications where a non-reactive atmosphere is required, such as in welding, incandescent light bulbs, and the preservation of sensitive materials. It's denoted by the symbol 'Ar' and has an atomic number of 18.

Argon meaning with examples

• Welding shops often use argon to create an inert shield, preventing oxidation and ensuring strong, clean welds. The argon protects the molten metal from reacting with oxygen and nitrogen in the air, improving the quality and durability of the joints. This ensures the welds are resistant to corrosion, contributing to the longevity of manufactured products.
• Incandescent light bulbs are often filled with argon gas, as it prevents the tungsten filament from burning up. The inert gas slows down the filament's reaction with oxygen, extending the bulb's lifespan. This is crucial for providing light, as it protects the delicate tungsten filament from oxidation, and allows it to stay lit for many hours.
• Museums and archives use argon to preserve delicate historical artifacts, which often include works of art and manuscripts. Because argon is non-reactive and doesn't interact with other gases, the objects can be maintained with reduced risk of degradation. It helps prevent damage from atmospheric pollutants or oxidation, preserving their value.
• Argon is employed in certain types of lasers, providing a controlled environment for the energy release. argon lasers emit high-intensity beams used in various applications, from medical procedures to scientific research, and this is because the gas helps to maintain a stable environment for the light beams.
• During manufacturing of specialized semiconductors, argon is used to prevent oxidation of the silicon wafers. The inert atmosphere protects the silicon from reacting with oxygen and other contaminants. This helps to maintain the integrity of the wafers and achieve higher performance of the devices.