Krypton

Krypton is a chemical element designated by the symbol Kr and atomic number 36. It is a noble gas in group 18 of the periodic table. Krypton is colorless, odorless, and tasteless at room temperature and pressure, and it is chemically inert under most conditions. It occurs only in trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere and is typically obtained commercially by fractional distillation of liquefied air.

Krypton exists as a monatomic gas. It has several stable isotopes, including Kr-78, Kr-80, Kr-82, Kr-83, Kr-84, and Kr-86, as well as numerous radioactive isotopes with shorter half-lives.

Industrial and scientific uses include lighting and photonics. Krypton gas is used in certain types of discharge lamps and signage, such as krypton-filled lamps that produce bright white light. Krypton also forms the active medium in krypton fluoride lasers (KrF), which are used in microlithography for semiconductor fabrication.

Discovery and name: Krypton was discovered in 1898 by chemists William Ramsay and Morris Travers during the liquefaction and fractional distillation of air. The name derives from the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden, in reference to its inertness and late separation from other noble gases.

Safety and handling: As an inert, non-toxic gas, krypton presents little chemical hazard, but it can act as an asphyxiant in enclosed spaces by displacing oxygen. It is used under controlled conditions in industrial and laboratory settings.

Note: Krypton the element should not be confused with Krypton, the fictional planet in DC Comics.