argon

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The argon-argon method can determine if a system has been disturbed.

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Definitions (5)

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  1. noun A colorless, odorless, inert gaseous element constituting approximately one percent of Earth's atmosphere, from which it is commercially obtained by fractionation for use in electric light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and radio vacuum tubes and as an inert gas shield in arc welding. Atomic number 18; atomic weight 39.948; melting point -189.3°C; boiling point -185.9°C. See Table at element.

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Examples (50)

  • The same inert gas (such as argon or xenon) could be used as the propellant for the ion drive and to generate the plasma for M2P2. —  AnalogSFF,Jan/Feb2004
  • In argon, the temperature at the shock wave driven by a good solid high explosive is above 25,000 kelvins (K), and in xenon above 36,000 K The shocked gas emits light nearly as a perfect radiator: the pressure and density are so high that the usual atomic line structure is broadened such that the lines merge and the spectrum is continuous. —  The Explosives and Weapons Forum: Let's outshine the sun
  • Were I to obtain a cylinder of argon (an expensive proposition due to cylinder costs) I would certainly be interested in experimenting. —  The Explosives and Weapons Forum: Let's outshine the sun
  • ArNO 2 From the patent I posted the number to in a recent post: quote: When the charge is detonated in the confined atmosphere of a monatomic gas such as argon or xenon, the propagation of the resultant shock wave through the gas causes adiabatic heating and compression of the gas. —  The Explosives and Weapons Forum: Let's outshine the sun
  • DEUS examined it in all the spectral bands until it discovered the reason for the thing's stability: a faint outflow of argon, an attenuated stream and therefore barely visible. —  FIASCO - Stanislaw Lem
 

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Etymologies (3)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. From Greek ārgon, neuter of ārgos, idle, inert : a-, without; see a-1 + ergon, work; see werg- in Indo-European roots.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (2)

  1. from Greek ἀργός, lazy, inert.
  2. Greek ἀργόν, neuter of ἀργός, inert.
 

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/ˈærgɑn/
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