Chemistry – The Periodic Table - Noble gases | e-Consult

Noble gases are used in lighting for the following reasons:

• Inertness: They are unreactive, so they do not react with the metal components of the light bulb, preventing corrosion and extending the life of the bulb.
• High Ionization Energy: They require a high amount of energy to ionize, meaning they are less likely to lose electrons and create a dull, dark light.
• Low Luminescence at Low Currents: They emit a bright, white light when an electric current passes through them at low voltages.

The principle behind their use is based on electrical conductivity. When a voltage is applied, the noble gas atoms become ionized, meaning they lose electrons and form positive ions. These positive ions, along with the free electrons, create a plasma. The movement of these charged particles results in the emission of light. The specific colour of the light depends on the type of noble gas used. For example, neon produces a reddish-orange light, while argon produces a bluish-white light. The light is brighter and more efficient than that produced by other gases at similar voltages.