Xenon

Xenon is a chemical element with the symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas found in the Earth's atmosphere in trace amounts. Although generally unreactive, xenon can undergo a few chemical reactions such as the formation of xenon hexafluoroplatinate, the first noble gas compound to be synthesized.

Characteristics

Xenon is a member of the noble gas family of elements, which also includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, and radon. These elements are characterized by their full electron shells, which make them very stable and unreactive. Xenon has a full outer electron shell, with two electrons in the s subshell and six in the p subshell.

Uses

Xenon is used in a variety of applications. It is used in certain types of lighting, including automobile headlights and flash lamps used in photography. Xenon is also used in anesthesia as a general anesthetic, and in nuclear energy production as a neutron absorber.

History

Xenon was discovered in England by the Scottish chemist William Ramsay and English chemist Morris Travers in July 1898, shortly after their discovery of the elements krypton and neon. They found xenon in the residue left over from evaporating components of liquid air.

See also

• Noble gases
• Periodic table
• Chemical element

References

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