Applications of Agon

For years argon has been used in ordinary incandescent light bulbs to replace the oxygen that would otherwise shorten the lifetime of the filament. It is used in some types of welding where active atmospheric gases would interfere with the process. Argon is also used in various types of "black lights" or UV lamps since excitation of the gas produces a significant amount of ultraviolet radiation. A few curious compounds have been made with argon but they are not very stable.

Because of argon's inertness, it is very useful in commercial settings. For example, it can be used in the formation of semiconductor materials and in metallurgical processes. Argon is also useful in welding, as it can protect substances from the corrosive properties of oxygen and nitrogen.