What is Argon? Origin / Meaning of the name Argon
The name originates from the Greek word 'argos' meaning inactive.

What is Argon? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Argon Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a gas. Argon is classified as an element in the 'Noble Gases' section which can be located in group 18 of the Periodic Table. The term 'Noble gas' derives from the Old High German word Edelgas from 'edili' meaning "noble". The name 'noble gases' is an allusion to the old, similarly termed 'Noble Metals'. The Noble Metals included  gold, silver and platinum which were so called due to their long association with the aristocracy.

Facts about the Discovery and History of the Argon Element
Argon was discovered by Sir William Ramsey in 1894.

Sir William Ramsay (1852 - 1916)
Sir William Ramsay discovered the noble gases and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904 "in recognition of his services in the discovery of the inert gaseous elements in air". These elements included neon, krypton and Xenon. Ramsay also isolated Helium which had been observed in the spectrum of the sun but had not been found on earth. In 1910 Ramsay also made and characterized radon.

Sir William Ramsay (1852 - 1916)

What is Argon? Occurrence of the Argon Element
The atmosphere contains only 0.94% volume of argon (1.29% mass)

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 0.02%
% in Sun 0.007%
% in Meteorites N/A
% in Earth's Crust 0.00015%
% in Oceans 0.000045%
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Argon
Electric light bulbs
Fluorescent tubes
Radio vacuum tubes
Arc welding
Cryosurgery procedures
Argon laser surgery. The argon laser provides the limited penetration needed for eye surgery and superficial skin disorders.

What is Argon? The Properties of the Argon Element
Name of Element : Argon
Symbol of Element : Ar
Atomic Number of Argon : 18
Atomic Mass: 39.948 amu
Melting Point: -189.3 °C - 83.85 °K
Boiling Point: -186.0 °C - 87.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Argon : 18
Number of Neutrons in Argon : 22
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 1.784 g/cm3
Color of Argon : Colorless

Argon as on the Periodic Table
Check out Argon on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Argon as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Noble Gases
The other elements contained in this classification are as follows:

• Helium
• Neon
• Krypton
• Xenon
• Radon

What is Argon - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Argon is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Argon with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Argon and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.