Elements·Argon
18
Ar
Argon
39.95

Argon

Noble gas

Argon is element 18, symbol Ar. It sits in period 3, group 18, and weighs 39.95.

Their outer shell is already full, so they barely react with anything.

Atomic number
18
Atomic weight
39.95
Period
Period 3
Group
Group 18
Block
p block
Electron configuration
[Ne] 3s2 3p6
Outer-shell electrons
8
Neutrons
22

The periodic table

Rows are periods, columns are groups. Tap any square to open that element.

Others in the same group

Neighbours by number

How to read this

  • A row (period) is the number of electron shells. Elements in period 3 carry three of them.
  • A column (group) tells you how many electrons sit in the outer shell — which is why a group behaves alike.
  • Atomic weight runs at roughly twice the atomic number: about as many neutrons as protons.
  • The 28 lanthanides and actinides are drawn below the table. Slotting them in would stretch it to 32 columns.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are Argon's number and symbol?

Element 18, symbol Ar, atomic weight 39.95.

Q. Where does it sit in the table?

Period 3, group 18 — a noble gas.

Q. What is its electron configuration?

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6, or [Ne] 3s2 3p6 for short.

Q. How many neutrons does it have?

Rounding the atomic weight and subtracting the atomic number gives 22. The exact count depends on the isotope.