Final answer:
Neon is a noble gas used in brightly colored signs, known for its reddish-orange glow. Although 'neon lights' is a common term, argon, krypton, and xenon are also used for various hues. Nobel gases are perfect for lighting due to their chemical inertness and the vibrant colors they emit when electrified.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term noble gas refers to elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, which are characterized by their lack of reactivity and colorless, odorless, tasteless properties under normal conditions. When electricity is applied to them in a confined space, as in neon lights, they emit bright colors. The noble gas often associated with brightly lit signs at night is neon, which gives off a distinct reddish-orange glow. Even though they are collectively called 'neon lights', other noble gases like argon, krypton, and xenon are also used to create different colors due to their chemical inertness and stability. The neon sign is a type of lighting that uses these inert gases and is a staple for creating vibrant and luminous displays in cities around the world.
The color given off by each gas when it is electrified is due to the energy released when the excited electrons revert to their lower energy states. This characteristic makes noble gases popular in light displays. As for neon, a noble gas with 10 electrons and 10 neutrons, it is used not only for its bright light but also because it does not react with other materials within the lighting system, thereby ensuring longevity and safety.