Chemistry: The Elements and Their Uses 1
February 22nd 2008 12:38
Basic facts about Argon, Arsenic, Astatine and Barium.
Argon
Its symbol is Ar. It is the most abundant of the noble gases and the third most prevalent gas in the earth's atmosphere. Argon comes from the Greek word “argos” meaning “inactive”. This is because argon does not easily react with other elements. This element was discovered in 1894 by the British Scientists Sir William Ramsay and Baron John William Strutt Rayleigh of Britain. Argon is colorless and odorless. Its uses are in light bulbs, arc welding, fluorescent light tubes, among others.
Arsenic
Its symbol is As. It comes from the word “ Arsenicos” or male. Arsenic was discovered by Albertus Magnus of Germany in 1250. The element is a steel gray, very brittle, crystalline, semi-metallic (metaloid) solid. It tarnishes in air, and when heated rapidly oxidizes to arsenous oxide which has a garlic odor. Arsenic is noted for being poisonous, however, some of its compounds are medicinal. It has been known since the ancient times. It is used for hardening shots, laser materials, poisons, insecticides, doping agents, among others.
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