Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It belongs to the noble gases group in the periodic table, which means it is a non-reactive gas. Argon is the third most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, after nitrogen and oxygen. In this article, we will explore how many electrons are in argon and its other properties.
Atomic Structure of Argon
The atomic structure of argon comprises 18 electrons, 18 protons, and 22 neutrons. The electrons are arranged in four energy levels or shells, with two electrons in the first shell, eight in the second, and eight in the third. The fourth shell has no electrons. The electrons in the outermost shell are called valence electrons, and they are responsible for the chemical behavior of argon.
How Many Electrons are in the Valence Shell of Argon?
The valence shell of argon has eight electrons, which is a stable configuration. This means that argon does not readily form chemical bonds with other elements because it has a full valence shell. Argon is considered an inert gas because of its non-reactive nature.
Physical Properties of Argon
Argon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is denser than air and is slightly soluble in water. Argon has a boiling point of -185.7??C and a melting point of -189.3??C. It is used in various industrial applications, such as welding, lighting, and as a protective gas in the production of semiconductors. Argon is also used in medical applications, such as laser surgery and cryosurgery.
Discovery of Argon
Argon was discovered in 1894 by Sir William Ramsay and Lord Rayleigh. They were studying the composition of air and noticed that a certain portion of it did not react with other elements. They named this gas argon, which comes from the Greek word for inactive or lazy. Ramsay and Rayleigh were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904 for their discovery.
Isotopes of Argon
Argon has three naturally occurring isotopes: argon-36, argon-38, and argon-40. Argon-40 is the most abundant, comprising 99.6% of all argon. Argon-39 is a radioactive isotope that is used in geochronology to determine the age of rocks and minerals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, argon has 18 electrons, with eight in the valence shell. It is a non-reactive gas with various industrial and medical applications. Argon was discovered in 1894 by Sir William Ramsay and Lord Rayleigh, and it has three naturally occurring isotopes. Understanding the properties and behavior of argon is essential in various scientific and industrial fields.
