Solveeit Logo

Question

Question: Why is Xenon called stranger gas?...

Why is Xenon called stranger gas?

Explanation

Solution

Xenon belongs to group 1818 of the periodic table. Group 1818 elements are known as noble gases. It is represented as XeXe. Xenon is the first Noble gas which is found to form true chemical compounds.

Complete answer:
The term Xenon is derived from the Greek word “ Xenos” , which means foreign or strange.
As Xenon belongs to a noble gas group where elements are very unreactive. But Xenon reacts with some elements to form new compounds.
This unique property of Xenon makes it peculiar and that is why it behaves in a different manner.
Hence, this is the reason why it is known as stranger gas.
Xenon is 4.54.5times heavier than air. It is a colourless , odourless and tasteless gas. Its atomic number is 5454.
Xenon is a trace gas. It is found as a component in gases released from few mineral springs. Xenon is also released as a by-product when the air is separated into nitrogen and oxygen. It is available in all forms that are solid, liquid and gas.

Additional information:
Applications of Xenon:
Lasers are produced with the help of XeXe gas. It is used in flash lamps and photographic flashes.
Xenon is used as a natural anaesthetic.I t is used to measure the flow of blood and also used to image the brain , heart and lungs.

Note:
As Xenon is larger than other noble gases, its outer electrons are farther away from the nucleus. Hence, it is loosely bound which makes it more reactive than other noble gases. Its compounds are strong oxidizing agents and are highly toxic.