Question

57\. The noble gas present in relatively large concentrations in the atmosphere is

Short answer

The noble gas present in relatively large concentrations in the atmosphere is Argon (Ar), with a concentration of 9340 ppm.

Step-by-step solution

List all the Noble Gases

Noble gases belong to Group 18 (VIII) of the periodic table. These gases are Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn).

Investigate the Concentrations of Noble Gases in the Earth's Atmosphere

The concentrations of noble gases in Earth's atmosphere are as follows: - Helium (He) - 5.24 ppm (parts per million) - Neon (Ne) - 18.18 ppm - Argon (Ar) - 9340 ppm - Krypton (Kr) - 1.14 ppm - Xenon (Xe) - 0.087 ppm - Radon (Rn) - trace amounts

Identify the Noble Gas Present in Relatively Large Concentrations

From the above concentrations, it is clear that Argon (Ar) is the noble gas present in relatively large concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere, with a concentration of 9340 ppm compared to the other noble gases.

Key concepts

Argon Concentration

Argon is one of the noble gases and is found in significant amounts in our atmosphere. Unlike other noble gases, argon exists at a concentration of 9340 parts per million (ppm), making it the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere. This abundance is due to the decay of potassium-40, which is a process that naturally releases argon over time. Argon is chemically inert and does not readily form compounds with other elements. This property ensures it remains available in high concentrations in the air. Given its stable nature, argon is often used in applications requiring an inert atmosphere, such as welding and preserving historical documents.

Periodic Table Groups

Noble gases are grouped together in the Periodic Table in Group 18, which is also known as Group VIII. They are known for their lack of reactivity with other elements, a result of their complete valence electron shells. This stability is what grants them their name, 'noble' gases.

• Helium (He) with 2 protons
• Neon (Ne) with 10 protons
• Argon (Ar) with 18 protons
• Krypton (Kr) with 36 protons
• Xenon (Xe) with 54 protons
• Radon (Rn) with 86 protons

Each of these elements has a full outer shell of electrons, which is the primary reason they rarely engage in chemical reactions. Understanding the properties of noble gases allows scientists and students to predict their behavior and potential applications in various fields.

Atmospheric Composition

The Earth's atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, but other gases, though present in smaller quantities, play significant roles. Argon is the most abundant noble gas in the atmosphere, contributing substantially to this mixture.

• Nitrogen: about 78%
• Oxygen: about 21%
• Argon: about 0.93%
• Other gases (including carbon dioxide, neon, helium, methane, hydrogen, etc.) make up the remainder.

This relatively small proportion of argon, compared to nitrogen and oxygen, still comprises a larger quantity than all the other noble gases combined. Understanding the atmospheric composition helps in the study of environmental science, meteorology, and other earth sciences and provides insights into how the Earth's systems work and interact.