Neon Element Properties
Complete reference for Neon (Ne, element 10): atomic data, electron configuration, isotopes, physical constants, and thermodynamic properties.
Neon
Noble Gas — Period 2, Group 18
Atomic Identity
Electron Configuration
All orbitals fully paired
Isotopes of Neon
| Isotope | Symbol | Protons | Neutrons | Mass (u) | Natural Abundance | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon-20 | ²⁰Ne | 10 | 10 | 19.9924401754 | 90.48% | Stable |
| Neon-21 | ²¹Ne | 10 | 11 | 20.9938853 | 0.27% | Stable |
| Neon-22 | ²²Ne | 10 | 12 | 21.9913851 | 9.25% | Stable |
| Neon-17 | ¹⁷Ne | 10 | 7 | 17.01767 | Trace |
Unstable
β⁺ decay, t½ = 109.2 ms |
| Neon-19 | ¹⁹Ne | 10 | 9 | 19.0018802 | Trace |
Unstable
β⁺ decay, t½ = 17.22 s |
| Neon-23 | ²³Ne | 10 | 13 | 22.9944669 | Trace |
Unstable
β⁻ decay, t½ = 37.15 s |
| Neon-24 | ²⁴Ne | 10 | 14 | 23.9936108 | Trace |
Unstable
β⁻ decay, t½ = 3.38 min |
Physical Properties
Chemical Properties
Ground State Quantum Numbers
Notable Emission Lines
The combination of orange and red lines produces the iconic warm red-orange glow seen in neon signs and discharge tubes.
Key Facts About Neon
Neon Signs
Neon gas in sealed glass tubes was used in signs as early as 1910 by Georges Claude. The characteristic red-orange glow comes from electron transitions producing photons in the 580–750 nm range.
Second-Lowest Boiling Point
Neon boils at 27.07 K (−246.08 °C), giving liquid neon the second-lowest boiling point among all elements. It serves as an effective cryogenic coolant in the 27–40 K range, bridging the gap between liquid hydrogen and helium.
Highest Ionization Energy (Period 2)
Neon's first ionization energy of 21.56 eV is the second highest of all elements (after helium), making it the most resistant Period 2 element to ionization and virtually impossible to ionize under normal laboratory conditions.
He-Ne Laser
The helium-neon laser (632.8 nm red beam) is one of the oldest and most widely used laser types, relying on energy transfer from excited helium atoms to neon atoms, which then emit coherent red light.
Fifth Most Abundant in Universe
Neon is the fifth most abundant element in the universe by mass (after hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and carbon), produced primarily by alpha-capture reactions during stellar helium burning.
Cosmochemical Tracer
The ratio of neon isotopes (²¹Ne/²²Ne and ²⁰Ne/²²Ne) is used in cosmochemistry to trace solar wind exposure in meteorites, lunar samples, and the origin of noble gases trapped in Earth's mantle.
Summary
Complete reference for Neon (Ne, element 10): atomic data, electron configuration, isotopes, physical constants, and thermodynamic properties.
How it works
- Browse the atomic identity section for symbol, atomic number, and standard atomic weight.
- Check the electron configuration panel for orbital notation and quantum numbers.
- Review the isotopes table for neon-20, neon-21, and neon-22 data including natural abundances.
- Consult the physical properties panel for boiling point, density, and state at STP.
- Use the chemical properties section to understand the noble gas behavior and ionization energies.
- Explore the spectral lines section to see the emission wavelengths responsible for the red-orange glow.
- Copy any value with one click for use in reports or calculations.
Use cases
- Look up neon constants for chemistry homework or exams.
- Verify atomic data when writing lab reports.
- Reference isotope abundances for geochemical or cosmochemical calculations.
- Check thermodynamic constants for cryogenics or gas-handling engineering.
- Teach or learn noble gas properties with a well-known element.
- Confirm electron configuration before writing molecular orbital or spectroscopy notes.
- Compare neon spectral lines to other noble gases for a spectroscopy course.
- Quick-reference ionization energy for plasma physics or neon laser design.