Alphabetically first gas on the periodic table
The correct answer and explanation is:
The alphabetically first gas on the periodic table is argon.
Explanation:
Argon is a noble gas, and its atomic number is 18. It belongs to Group 18 of the periodic table, often known as the noble gases or inert gases. These gases are known for their lack of reactivity due to their complete outer electron shell, making them chemically stable. Argon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless in its natural state. It is also non-toxic and does not form compounds easily under normal conditions.
The reason argon comes alphabetically first among the gases is that it is the first noble gas in the periodic table when arranged alphabetically. Other gases, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, come later in alphabetical order.
Argon makes up about 0.93% of Earth’s atmosphere, and its presence is vital for various applications. It is used in industries like welding and metal production, where it serves as an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation. In addition, argon is used in the production of light bulbs and in scientific research as a carrier gas in chromatography and other instruments.
Argon was discovered in 1894 by the British scientists Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay. It was named after the Greek word “argos,” meaning “inactive,” due to its inertness and lack of chemical reactivity. Its discovery helped to fill in a gap in the periodic table, and it marked the identification of a whole new group of elements, the noble gases.
As an inert gas, argon is crucial in many applications where reactions need to be controlled or prevented, which is why it is so widely used in various technological and scientific fields.