atomic number 10
- noun
- /əˈtɑːmɪk ˈnʌmbər tɛn/
- Specialized
- Neon is represented by the symbol Ne and has an atomic number 10.
Examples
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The element with atomic number 10 is neon.
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The bright red sign was illuminated by atomic number 10 in the glass tubes.
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Las Vegas is famous for its glowing atomic number 10 lights that decorate its casinos.
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Scientists discovered that atomic number 10 is an inert gas present in trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere.
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The bright red sign was illuminated by atomic number 10 in the glass tubes.
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Scientists discovered that atomic number 10 is an inert gas present in trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere.
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Neon is represented by the symbol Ne and has an atomic number 10.
Synonyms
A gas that makes bright red light in electric signs
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally denotes 'the atomic number equal to ten' and is compositionally built from 'atomic' + 'number' + 'ten', a transparent scientific naming pattern that exists across languages. However, identifying the referent as the specific element neon requires background knowledge of the periodic table, so a B1 learner who only knows the constituent words may not map it to 'neon'.
Etymology
Atomic number 10 is the scientific name for the gas neon, which makes a bright red light in glass tubes. Because this gas produces that glowing red light, people use atomic number 10 to mean the 'glowing gas' used in signs and lights.