Chapter 5, Problem 115A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

An essay about the use different gases other than neon in making neon signs and the colors produced by these gases needs to be written.

Concept introduction:

Neon signs are electric signs. They were named for neon, a noble gas, which gives orange light but other gases and chemicals are used for producing colors such as hydrogen produces red color, carbon dioxide produces white, helium produces yellow, mercury produces blue etc. Neon signs are used for making dramatic, multicolored glowing signage called neon signs.

Answer to Problem 115A

Noble gases are best suited for making neon signs. Here, the neon gives a red-orange color, helium gives yellow color, argon gives lavender color, krypton gives white color and xenon gives blue color.

Explanation of Solution

When an electron in the higher energy state relaxes back to the lower energy state, it releases some amount of energy in the form of photon.

The wavelength of this photon is corresponding to its color depends on the difference in the energy between the higher and lower states. This means that each element releases few characteristic wavelengths of light when their electrons get excited and then return to the lower energy state.

Conclusion

Due to the relaxation of electrons from higher energy to the lower energy states, inert gases give different colors.