18 Ar Argon
Atomic Weight: 39.948Shells: 2,8,8
Group: Noble GasFilling orbital: 3p6
Crystal Structure: Cubic face centeredCovalent radius: 0.98 Å
Oxidation States: 0Atomic radius: 0.88 Å
Electronegativity, Pauling: 1.93Atomic volume: 28.5 cm³/mol
State at RT: GasFirst ionization potential: 15.759 V
Melting Point: 83.8°K2nd ionization potential: 27.629 V
Boiling Point: 87.3°K3rd ionization potential: 40.74 V
Density @ 293°K: 0.0017824 g/cm³Specific heat: 0.520 J/gK
Electrical conductivity: 0.630 106/cm ohmHeat of vaporization: 6.447 kJ/mol
Thermal conductivity: 0.0001772 W/cmKHeat of fusion: 1.188 kJ/mol
Element Nuclides
NuclideAbundance WeightSpinHalf-Life Decay Modes
Ar360.337%34.96750Stable
Ar370.%36.9661.535.0d
Ar386.3e-002%37.96270Stable
Ar390.%38.9643.5269y-
Ar4099.6%39.96240Stable
Ar410.%41.3.51.82h-

Name origin: Greek: argon (inactive).
Description: Colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas.
Discovered by: Sir William Ramsey, Baron Rayleigh
Year: 1894
Location: Scotland
Sources: Forms almost 1% of atmosphere. Continuously released into the air by decay of radioactive potassium-40.
Uses: Lighting and other uses for non-reactive gases.

Registry Numbers
From DOT guide book, Guide Number 12

Fire or Explosion Hazards
Some of these materials may burn but do not ignite readily. Container may
explode in heat or fire.

Health Hazards
Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Contact with liquid may cause
frostbite. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases.

Emergency Action: General
Keep unnecessary people away. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Isolate
hazard area and deny entry. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full
protective clothing.

FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CALL CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300

Emergency Action: Fire
Small Fires: Dry chemical or CO2.
Large Fires: Water spray, fog or foam.
Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Stay away from
ends of tanks. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water from the
side until well after fire is out.

Emergency Action: Spill or Leak
Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

Emergency Action: First Aid
Move victim to fresh air; call emergency medical care. If not breathing, give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

Material Saftey Data Sheet
Return to the Periodic Table