What Is the Gas Used in Neon Signs that Produces a Purple Color?
Neon signs are popular for advertising because of their eye-catching colors. Neon was the first inert gas used in signs, so all lighting of this kind is still referred to as neon lighting even though there are a number of other inert gases now used. Different inert gases create different colors, including purple. Argon Argon is a gas used in neon signs to produce various shades of purple or lavender. Argon can also be mixed with other elements to create a variety of other colors. Inert Gases Argon, like neon, is one of the inert, or noble, gases. They are called inert because they do not typically bond with other atoms, and maintain their molecular structures. Forced reactions cause argon and other inert gases to glow. Properties The chemical symbol for argon is Ar and its atomic number is 18. Discovered in 1894, argon makes up about 1 percent of the atmosphere. The name argon is derived from the Greek word “argos,” meaning inactive. Neon Lights Inert gases such as argon create the fam
