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Argon: meaning, definitions and examples

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argon

 

[ˈɑːrɡən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Argon is a colorless, odorless inert gas that is part of the noble gases group in the periodic table. It has the atomic number 18 and is represented by the symbol 'Ar'. As an inert gas, argon does not readily react with other elements or compounds, which makes it useful in a variety of applications, including lighting and welding. Argon is the third most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, comprising about 0.93% of the volume of air. Its stability and non-reactivity contribute to its use in controlled environments, ensuring that sensitive processes and materials remain unaffected by chemical reactions.

Synonyms

Ar, inert gas.

Examples of usage

  • Argon is often used in the manufacture of light bulbs.
  • Welders use argon to protect the weld area from atmospheric gases.
  • Argon is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The name comes from the Greek word 'argon,' meaning 'inactive' or 'lazy,' reflecting its lack of reactivity.
  • First identified in 1894 by British scientists Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay while they were studying atmospheric gases.

Science

  • Argon makes up about 0.93% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the third most abundant gas after nitrogen and oxygen.
  • It is classified as a noble gas, which means it is largely unreactive due to its full outer electron shell.

Technology

  • In the field of welding, argon is often used as a shielding gas to protect the weld area from the surrounding environment.
  • Argon is also utilized in incandescent and fluorescent lighting to increase efficiency and prolong lamp life.

Pop Culture

  • Argon has made appearances in various science fiction literature and media as a representation of futuristic or exotic technologies.
  • In the popular animated series 'Futurama,' characters occasionally reference elements like argon when discussing science-related topics.

Medicine

  • Argon laser therapy is used in various medical procedures, including eye surgeries, due to its precision in targeting specific tissues.
  • It’s also utilized in cryotherapy for treating certain skin lesions, as it can create extremely low temperatures.

Translations

Translations of the word "argon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 argo

🇮🇳 आर्गन

🇩🇪 Argon

🇮🇩 argon

🇺🇦 аргон

🇵🇱 argon

🇯🇵 アルゴン

🇫🇷 argon

🇪🇸 argón

🇹🇷 argon

🇰🇷 아르곤

🇸🇦 أرجون

🇨🇿 argon

🇸🇰 argon

🇨🇳 氩气

🇸🇮 argon

🇮🇸 argon

🇰🇿 аргон

🇬🇪 არგონი

🇦🇿 argon

🇲🇽 argón

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,629, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.