Could you elaborate on the reasons behind the rarity of xenon? Is it due to its unique chemical properties that hinder its formation in nature? Or is it a matter of its low abundance in the solar system, resulting in its scarcity on Earth? Perhaps its high ionization energy plays a role in its scarcity, making it difficult to extract from its compounds. I'm curious to understand the scientific explanations behind why xenon is such a rare element and how its properties contribute to its limited availability.
6 answers
Raffaele
Thu Jul 25 2024
Rare gases acquire their name due to their minute presence in the air.
GangnamGlamourQueen
Thu Jul 25 2024
Among these gases, Xenon stands out as particularly scarce, with a mere 90 grams found in every million kilograms of the Earth's atmosphere.
Carlo
Thu Jul 25 2024
This rarity necessitates the use of large-scale extraction methods.
CryptoBaron
Wed Jul 24 2024
Xenon is commercially obtained primarily from air separation plants, which are designed to produce vast quantities of oxygen.
Tommaso
Wed Jul 24 2024
These plants, capable of generating over 1,000 tonnes of oxygen daily, provide the necessary scale for Xenon extraction to be economically viable.