Question

select the characteristics for argon gas compared to helium. (select all that apply.) heavier than air less expensive limited resource more expensive lighter than air readily available from the atmosphere inert

Explanation:

• Heavier than air: Argon has a molar mass of \(39.95\space g/mol\) (air's average molar mass is about \(29\space g/mol\)), so it is heavier. Helium (\(4\space g/mol\)) is lighter than air.
• Less expensive: Argon is more abundant in the atmosphere (about \(0.93\%\)) compared to helium (very rare on Earth, mainly obtained as a by - product of natural gas processing). So argon is less expensive.
• Readily available from the atmosphere: Argon is the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere (\(0.93\%\)), while helium is very rare in the atmosphere.
• Inert: Both argon and helium are noble gases and are inert (have full valence electron shells and low reactivity).

Answer:

Heavier than air, Less expensive, Readily available from the atmosphere, Inert