Neon (Ne)
Noble gas
Neon is a noble gas famous for one thing: glowing bright orange-red when electricity passes through it. Chemically it is completely unreactive — no stable neon compound has ever been made.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 10 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 20.1798 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [He] 2s2 2p6 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 8 |
| Common oxidation states | None common |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | Not available |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 58 pm |
| First ionization energy | 2081 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -116 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Gas |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.9002 g/L |
| Melting point | -248.59 °C (24.56 K) |
| Boiling point | -246.05 °C (27.1 K) |
| Appearance | colorless gas exhibiting an orange-red glow when placed in a high voltage electric field |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of neon
Neon's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6, usually shortened to [He] 2s2 2p6. Its electrons occupy 2 shells (2, 8), placing it in period 2 of the p-block. The 8 outer-shell electrons drive its bonding behaviour. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of neon
- Neon signs and lighting
- High-voltage indicator lamps
- Cryogenic refrigerant (liquid neon)
- Helium-neon lasers
Biological role: None — chemically inert.
Occurrence: A trace gas (about 18 parts per million) in the atmosphere, extracted from liquefied air.
History and discovery
Discovered: 1898 — Morris Travers. Name origin: From Greek neos, meaning new.
Discovered in 1898 by William Ramsay and Morris Travers while fractionating liquefied air.
Safety notes
Non-toxic and inert; like any gas, it can displace oxygen in confined spaces.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Neon
1. What is the chemical symbol of Neon?
2. What is the atomic number of Neon?
3. Which category does Neon belong to?
4. What is the state of Neon at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Neon in?
Neon FAQs
What is the atomic number of neon?
Neon's atomic number is 10 — every neon atom has 10 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for neon?
Ne. From Greek neos, meaning new.
Is neon a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Neon is classified as a noble gas.
What state is neon at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, neon is a gas. It melts at -248.59 °C.
How many valence electrons does neon have?
Neon has 8 electrons in its outer shell (shell pattern: 2, 8).
What is neon used for?
Key uses include: neon signs and lighting; high-voltage indicator lamps; cryogenic refrigerant (liquid neon).
Related elements
Keep working with this element
Spotted an error? Report a correction · Data sources