1020.18NeNeon
Neon (Ne) — element 10noble gas · group 18, period 2
Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is a noble gas in group 18, period 2 of the periodic table (the p-block), with a standard atomic mass of 20.18 u. At room temperature (25 °C) neon is a gas.
💡 Known for: Glows a vivid red-orange in electric discharge tubes, giving neon signs their name.
# Neon properties
| Symbol | Ne |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 10 |
| Atomic mass | 20.18 u |
| Category | noble gas |
| Group | 18 |
| Period | 2 |
| Block | p-block |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² 2p⁶ |
| Full configuration | 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8 |
| Protons / electrons | 10 / 10 |
| State at 25 °C | gas |
| Melting point | 24.56 K (-248.6 °C, -415.5 °F) |
| Boiling point | 27.07 K (-246.1 °C, -410.9 °F) |
| Density | 0.8999 g/L |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| First ionization energy | 21.565 eV |
| Atomic radius | 38 pm |
| Discovered | 1898 |
# Electron configuration of neon
The electron configuration of neon is [He] 2s² 2p⁶, written out in full as 1s² 2s² 2p⁶. Its 10 electrons fill 2 shells as 2, 8, so the outermost shell holds 8 electrons. As a group 18 element, neon has 8 valence electrons.
# Related elements
FFluorineprevious elementNaSodiumnext elementHeHeliumgroup 18ArArgongroup 18KrKryptongroup 18XeXenongroup 18RnRadongroup 18OgOganessongroup 18
# Neon FAQ
What is the atomic number of neon?
The atomic number of neon is 10: every neon atom has 10 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ne.
What is the atomic mass of neon?
The standard atomic mass of neon is 20.18 u.
What is the electron configuration of neon?
Neon's electron configuration is [He] 2s² 2p⁶ (1s² 2s² 2p⁶), with 2, 8 electrons per shell.
Is neon a metal?
No. Neon is a noble gas, a nonmetal.
What is the melting point of neon?
Neon melts at 24.56 K (-248.6 °C, -415.5 °F) and boils at 27.07 K (-246.1 °C, -410.9 °F).
What is neon used for / known for?
Glows a vivid red-orange in electric discharge tubes, giving neon signs their name.