Neon (Ne) — Atomic Number 10
Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is a colourless, odourless noble gas that glows reddish-orange in electric discharge tubes. The name comes from Greek neos (“new”).
At a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ne |
| Atomic Number (Z) | 10 |
| Mass Number (A) | 20 |
| Protons | 10 |
| Neutrons | 10 |
| Electrons | 10 |
| Electron Configuration | 2,8 |
| Group | 18 / 0 (Noble Gas) |
| Period | 2 |
| State at RTP | Colourless gas |
| Classification | Non-metal — Monatomic (Ne) |
Discovery
Discovered in 1898 by William Ramsay and Morris Travers by fractional distillation of liquid air.
Properties & Uses
- Chemically inert — full outer shell (2,8)
- Glows red-orange with electricity — used in advertising signs
- Obtained by fractional distillation of liquid air
- Also used in helium-neon lasers and high-voltage indicators
IGCSE Essentials
- Noble gas — inert, monatomic
- Full outer shell (2,8) — the stable octet other elements aim for
- Used in neon signs — red-orange glow