Neon (symbol Ne, atomic number 10) is a noble gas famous for the orange-red glow of advertising signs. It is classified as a noble gas and sits in group 18, period 2 of the periodic table.
Overview
Neon is the chemical element with atomic number 10 and the symbol Ne. With a standard atomic weight of 20.18, it is a noble gas. In the periodic table it occupies group 18 and period 2, and under standard conditions it is normally a gas. Neon is a noble gas famous for the orange-red glow of advertising signs.
Atomic structure
An atom of Neon has 10 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 10 electrons arranged in the configuration [He] 2s2 2p6. Its standard atomic weight of 20.18 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Neon was discovered in 1898 by William Ramsay, Morris Travers. It follows Fluorine (F) and precedes Sodium (Na) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 10 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ne |
| Atomic mass | 20.18 |
| Category | Noble gas |
| Group | 18 |
| Period | 2 |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s2 2p6 |
| Phase at STP | Gas |
| Discovered | 1898 (William Ramsay, Morris Travers) |