argon

/'ɑ:gɔn/

Thân thiện

A scientist uses argon gas in a laboratory experiment.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A colorless, odorless, inert gas: Argon is a chemical element that is a noble gas. It does not react easily with other elements.
   • A component of Earth's atmosphere: It makes up about 1% of the air we breathe.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Argon is used to fill incandescent light bulbs to prevent the filament from oxidizing.
  • The atmosphere contains approximately one percent argon.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In scientific writing, "argon" is often discussed in terms of its atomic number (18) and its role in radiometric dating (e.g., argon-argon dating).
  • The age of the rock was determined using argon-argon dating.

Variants and Related Words

• Argon-40, Argon-36: These are isotopes of the element argon, distinguished by their different atomic masses.
  • Argon-40 is the most abundant isotope of argon found in nature.

Synonyms

• Inert gas: A general term for gases like argon that are not chemically reactive under normal conditions.
• Noble gas: The family of elements to which argon belongs, all of which are characterized by low reactivity.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Argon laser: A type of laser in which the active medium is ionized argon gas.
  • The surgeon used an argon laser for the delicate procedure.
• Argon atmosphere: An environment filled with argon gas, often used in welding or manufacturing to prevent unwanted chemical reactions.
  • The welding was performed under an argon atmosphere to protect the metal.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a colorless and odorless inert gas; one of the six inert gases; comprises approximately 1% of the earth's atmosphere

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Ar
• atomic number 18