This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Neon vs. Helium! This is a special debate because Neon and Helium are Noble Gases. They do not mix well with other elements. Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form!
Neon!
Neon (Ne) is a colorless and odorless gas that makes up 18% of the air that we breathe! Neon is a noble gas, which means that it does not mix well with other elements. Neon has specific power. It produces light! Neon signs produce a red glow. The signs are still used today, but they were really popular in the 1900’s. The Neon signs are first glass tubes that you can twist into different shapes or letters. These glass tubes were filled with Neon gas. After that, they attached little devices that produce a small electric charge at both ends of the tube. When the electricity is added, it speeds up the Electrons in the Neon atoms or the building blocks. When the Electrons calm down, it released the extra energy as a red glow. This is how Neon signs work.
Helium!
Helium (He) is an element that is found all over the universe. It is the second most-abundant element in the universe! It is also the second lightest element in the universe. It is lighter than the air that we breathe, so it always escapes from Earth’s atmosphere. Helium is called a “Noble Gas”. This is because Helium can’t mix well with other elements. Scientists are predicting a Helium shortage in the next few years. They are brainstorming solutions to get more Helium.
Here are some things Helium is used for:
- In rockets to keep them from overheating
- Protecting the electrical systems from lighting (because Helium is very cold)
- High-speed internet (Helium is used to make the internet go faster)
- For Helium Balloons
- Weather balloons that capture information about the weather in the atmosphere