How can neon have a melting point?

[skyshrimp]

I just read that sodium has a higher melting point than neon.

As neon is a noble gas, how can it have a melting point if it isn't a solid?

 

[SteamKing]

I just read that sodium has a higher melting point than neon.

As neon is a noble gas, how can it have a melting point if it isn't a solid?

It's not clear why you are confused.

Yes, neon is a noble gas, but it doesn't have to stay in the gaseous phase. Like all gases (even hydrogen), neon can be liquefied if its temperature is reduced sufficiently. Cool the liquid a little more, and you've got solid neon. The M.P. of solid neon is about 24 K, while the boiling point of liquid neon is about 27 K.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon

 

[PRIDES]

In addition, being a noble gas simply means that the atom's valence shell is filled (in this case) with 8 electrons. The neon's K shell is filled with 2 electrons and the L shell is filled with 8, its "happy". However, sodium has a filled L and K shell but its M shell (can contain 18) only has 1.

This however has nothing to do with ability to melt, as the bonds between molecules are involved but the bonds between atoms are not.

 

[Borek]

This however has nothing to do with

the original question and is just confusing. Especially when you later to refer to

bonds between molecules

when there are no molecules involved - question asks about properties of neon, which is atomic.

 

[LudusRex]

It is important to understand that the concept of melting point is not limited to solids. In fact, all substances, including gases, have a melting point. The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid state. For noble gases like neon, the melting point refers to the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid.

The reason why neon has a melting point is due to its atomic structure. Neon has a full outer electron shell, making it extremely stable and unreactive. This means that, under normal conditions, neon exists as a gas. However, at very low temperatures and high pressures, neon can condense into a liquid state. This is similar to how water, which is also a gas at room temperature, can turn into a liquid when the temperature is lowered.

In comparison to sodium, which has a higher melting point, the difference can be attributed to their atomic structures. Sodium has a single valence electron, making it more reactive and able to form solid structures at lower temperatures. On the other hand, neon's stable electronic configuration requires much lower temperatures and higher pressures for it to condense into a liquid state.

In summary, while neon is a noble gas and typically exists as a gas at room temperature, it still has a melting point due to its atomic structure. This is a fundamental property of all substances and is not limited to solids.