Argon atom in 3D
A protective atmosphere. Argon is used as a shielding gas in welding and in some electric lamps. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
A protective atmosphere. Argon is used as a shielding gas in welding and in some electric lamps.
Identify argon from its proton count.
Count the neutrons in Argon-40.
Inspect the occupied electron shells.
Compare the valence shell with a neighbouring element.
Explain what changes when an electron is lost.
Argon has a filled outer shell in its ground state. Low reactivity does not mean that electrons stop moving.
Try an investigation
Identify argon from its proton count.
Check your understanding
What identifies an atom as argon?
18 protons. Atomic number is proton count. Every argon nucleus has 18 protons.
How many neutrons are in Argon-40?
22. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number = 40 − 18 = 22. Mass number is not the average atomic weight of natural samples.
How many electrons are in a neutral argon atom?
18. A neutral atom balances 18 positive protons with 18 negative electrons.
Which shell count describes neutral argon in its ground state?
2, 8, 8. [Ne] 3s² 3p⁶ gives 2, 8, 8 electrons across its occupied shells. Circular paths are only diagram guides.
If this atom loses one electron, what happens to its net charge?
It becomes +1. Losing one negative electron leaves one more proton than electrons. Its 18 protons still identify it as argon.
What can this 3D shell model tell you reliably?
The particle counts for the selected neutral isotope. The counts represent a defined isotope and neutral atom. Particle sizes, spacing and circles are simplified teaching symbols.
Sources and model scope
An educational representation. The explorer identifies its data sources, scale choices and simplifications.