väärisgaas

Väärisgaas, also known as noble gas, is a group of chemical elements that share similar properties. These elements are characterized by their low chemical reactivity due to having a full valence electron shell. This stable electron configuration makes them very reluctant to form chemical bonds with other elements. The väärisgaas elements include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn). Oganesson (Og) is a synthetic element believed to be a väärisgaas as well, though its properties are not fully understood due to its extreme radioactivity and short half-life.

In their pure state, väärisgaas elements are colorless, odorless, and monatomic gases. They are found in the Earth's atmosphere in very small quantities, with argon being the most abundant, making up about 0.93% of the atmosphere. Helium is primarily extracted from natural gas deposits. Due to their inert nature, väärisgaas elements have found numerous practical applications. For instance, helium is used in balloons and airships, as a coolant for MRI machines, and in diving gas mixtures. Neon is famously used in neon signs, producing a characteristic red-orange light when an electric current passes through it. Argon is used in welding and as an inert atmosphere in industrial processes. Krypton and xenon have applications in lighting, lasers, and specialized imaging techniques. Radon, being radioactive, is primarily of concern in environmental health due to its potential to cause lung cancer.