Neon is one of the inert gases. Neon is element number 10 and was named from Greek word meaning "new." Sir William Ramsey discovered it in 1898.
Neon is present in the air to the extent of about eighteen parts per million by weight. It is separated from the air by fractional distillation. Fractional distillation is the separation of the components of a mixture, like air, which have different boiling points by carefully controlled vaporization.
Neon lights are used in many advertising signs. Electricity is passed through the gas and excites the electrons to a higher energy level. As the electrons return to the original level, light energy is given on. Neon lights give on an orange-red light.
The most unusual thing about the inert gases is that they usually do not combine or react with other elements. The outer electron shell is closed. Neon (symbol Ne) has an atomic weight of 20.183.
