Problem 30 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

A friend tells you that the "neon" in neon signs is a compound of neon and aluminum. Can your friend be correct? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The friend's statement is incorrect as neon is a noble gas with a stable electron configuration, making it chemically inert and unlikely to form compounds with other elements, including aluminum. The use of neon in neon signs is due to its light-emitting properties when subjected to an electric discharge, not because it forms a compound with aluminum.

Step 1: Understand Properties of Neon and Aluminum

Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is a noble gas, which means it is chemically inert and has very low chemical reactivity due to its full complement of valence electrons. Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It belongs to the group 13 elements, also known as boron group. Aluminum is a metal and it is a relatively reactive element in its pure form.

Step 2: Formation of Compounds

In general, compounds are formed when two or more elements chemically bond together. This usually happens when one or more elements lose, gain, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Metals tend to lose electrons and non-metals tend to gain or share electrons.

Step 3: Stability of Noble Gases

Noble gases, like neon, are chemically inert because they already have a stable electron configuration. They have full valence electron shells, which means they don't need to gain, lose or share electrons to achieve stability. Therefore, they rarely form compounds with other elements.

Step 4: Can Neon and Aluminum form a Compound?

Since neon is a noble gas and has a stable electron configuration, it has no tendency to form a compound with any other element, including aluminum. Hence, the friend's statement that "the 'neon' in neon signs is a compound of neon and aluminum" is incorrect.

Step 5: Explanation for Neon Signs

The reason neon gas is used in neon signs is because of its ability to emit light when subjected to an electric discharge. This does not involve the formation of any compound with aluminum or any other element. In conclusion, the claim that the neon in neon signs is a compound of neon and aluminum is incorrect, as neon is a noble gas and does not form compounds with other elements, including aluminum, due to its stable electron configuration.