(1) Uses of helium (He) :
- A mixture of helium (85%) and oxygen (15%) is used for filling balloons.
- A mixture of helium and oxygen is also used for respiration by sea divers instead of air because helium is less soluble in blood than nitrogen under high pressure. It is also used for treatment of asthma.
- Helium is used in producing inert atmosphere in metallurgical operations and welding of metals.
- Liquid helium is used in producing low temperature required for research.
- Helium is also used in producing lasers in low temperature gas thermometry.
- It is used in magnetic resonance imaging.
- It is used as a shielding gas for arc welding, (viii) It is used in supersonic wind tunnels.
- Helium nucleus is used as a bombarding particle for disintegration of atoms.
(2) Uses of neon (Ne) :
- Neon is used in the production of neon discharge lamps and signs by filling Ne in glass discharge tubes.
- Neon signs are visible from a long distance and also have high penetrating power in mist or fog.
- A mixture of neon and helium is used in voltage stabilizers and current rectifiers.
- Neon is also used in the production of lasers and fluorescent tubes.
(3) Uses of argon (Ar) :
- Argon is used to fill fluorescent tubes and radio valves.
- It is used to provide inert atmosphere for welding and production of steel.
- It is used along with neon in neon sign lamps to obtain different colours.
- A mixture of 85% Ar and 15% N2 is used in electric bulbs to enhance the life of the filament.
