element 54

/ˈeləmənt ˌfɪfti ˈfɔːr/
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The atomic-number way to identify xenon, a heavy noble gas known for its blue discharge glow and specialist uses in lighting, imaging, chemistry, and spacecraft propulsion.

Examples

  • In the periodic table, element 54 is xenon.
  • Engineers use element 54 in some ion thrusters for spacecraft.
  • Because element 54 is a noble gas, it reacts only under special conditions.
  • A discharge tube filled with element 54 can glow blue.
  • The chemical symbol for element 54 is Xe.

Similar words

Xe
xenon
atomic number 54

Meanings

Usage

Use element 54 for a precise periodic-table reference. In ordinary prose, xenon is usually more direct.

Common mistakes

X is written instead of Xe, and the phrase is sometimes confused with krypton, iodine, or a whole class of noble gases.

Etymology

The phrase combines element with the periodic-table number 54. The element named by that number is xenon, named in 1898 by William Ramsay and Morris Travers from Greek xenos, meaning stranger or foreigner.

FAQ

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