The Magical Periodic Table Element – Krypton

January 7, 2024 · by sybrinapublishing

The Elegant and Mysterious Element Krypton

Ah, Krypton, the elegant and mysterious element tucked away on the periodic table. While it may not possess the same fame as its more popular neighbors, like oxygen or gold, Krypton holds a secret charm that is sure to captivate even the most uninspired chemist. Let’s embark on a journey into the delightful magic of the element Krypton, and uncover why it deserves all the love.

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – yes, Krypton is indeed the element that Superman’s home planet was named after. And just like its fictional counterpart, Krypton boasts some truly super powers. Well, maybe not exactly “superpowers,” but it does have some pretty fascinating traits.

At its core, Krypton is a noble gas, a group known for their reluctance to mingle and react with other elements. This explains why it often plays hard to get with its fellow elements on the periodic table. You won’t find Krypton mixing it up with any of the rowdy elements at your favorite chemistry party.

Krypto the Krypton-Horned Unicorn from the Magical Elements of the Periodic Table

But don’t let this stoic demeanor fool you – there is more to Krypton than meets the eye. One of its unique and delightful properties lies in its mesmerizing glow. When an electrical current is passed through Krypton gas, it emits a brilliant, otherworldly light. Imagine a purple-hued luminescence, like a fireworks display captured within a small jar. It’s a delight for the eyes and a dazzling spectacle of nature.

But wait, there’s more! Krypton’s enchanting glow finds practical applications in various industries. It is used in fluorescent lights, dazzling signs, and, of course, those neon lights that often line the streets of bustling cities. Without Krypton, our world would be a much dimmer and less flashy place.

Beyond its radiance, Krypton is also known for its ability to play hide-and-seek with scientists. For many years, it resisted efforts to isolate and study it due to its rarity in the Earth’s atmosphere. It lingered, just out of reach, like a mischievous fairy. Scientists had to wait until 1898 to finally capture a sample of this elusive element. And even now, it remains one of the rarest elements on our planet.

Of course, we can’t talk about Krypton without mentioning its extraordinary role in our favorite superhero’s mythology. Superman, with his superhuman strength and soaring abilities, drew his powers from Earth’s yellow sun, while his native planet, Krypton, was bathed in the light of a red sun. Kryptonite, the mineral that famously weakens Superman, is supposed to be fragments of his shattered home planet. So, it’s true, Krypton not only has a magical appeal on the periodic table but in comic book lore as well.

So the next time you gaze at the stars above, remember to give a nod to Krypton. This delightful and remarkable element, with its captivating glow and otherworldly charm, has left an indelible mark in both science and pop culture. Let it remind us that, even in the most unassuming corners of the periodic table, a touch of magic and wonder is waiting to be discovered.

This article is brought to you by Sybrina Durant, the author of the middle grade picture book, Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Metal Horn Unicorns. Learn More. In that book Krypton is presented by the unicorn, Krypto. Read Krypto’s Story.