MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Noble gases were discoved by two very simple processes: 1. The molecular mass of nitrogen obtained from the atmosphere was different from that of nitrogen generated by chemical reactions. This hinted that there was something else there. 2. Experimental attempts to exhaustively remove gases from the air left a residue which would not react with anything, even when tickled with an electric arc. This turned out to be the element argon, which makes about 1% of the earth's atmosphere. Argon was discovered by Ramsay and Reighleigh, who went on to isolate other noble gases. There was no particular economic benefit at the time, except that it became possible to perform chemistry under an atmosphere even more inert than pure nitrogen. However, helium later became important for its use in lighter-than- air aircraft. This should give you enough leads to find out more... Dan Berger, MadSci Admin
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