Halogens and noble gases

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Overview: Chemistry and Physics Background

Part 1. The Halogens

Introduction to the Halogens

Understanding Patterns and Properties in the Halogens and Noble Gases

1. Fluorine: Corrosive, Toxic, and Remarkable

The Astrophysics of Fluorine

The Discovery and Naming of Fluorine

Fluorine Gas: A Hazardous Molecule

The Chemistry of Fluorine: The Most Reactive Element

Fluoride in Drinking Water: The Debate

Technology and Current Uses

2. Chlorine: From Table Salt to Safe Swimming

The Astrophysics of Chlorine

The Novelty of the Negative Ion

The Discovery and Naming of Chlorine

The Chemistry of Chlorine

Fireworks and Flame Retardants

Chlorine as a Weapon of War

Technology and Current Uses

3. Bromine: Unusual at Room Temperature

The Astrophysics of Bromine

The Discovery and Naming of Bromine

The Chemistry of Bromine

A Radioactive Nature

Obsolete Uses of Bromine

Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and the Ozone Hole

Technology and Current Uses

4. Iodine and Astatine: So Alike Yet So Different

Everywhere and Nowhere

Discovery and Naming

On Being Electropositive

The Chemistry of Iodine

Astatine Chemistry: Why There Is So Little

Iodine and Hypothyroidism

Medical Applications of Iodine Isotopes

Astatine's Radioactive Nature

Technology and Current Uses

Part 2. The Noble Gases

Introduction to the Noble Gases

Discovery and Naming of the Noble Gases

5. Helium: From Balloons to Lasers

The Astrophysics of Helium

Fusion of Light Helium: A Future Energy Source?

Earthbound in Natural Gas

Lighter than Air: Helium Balloons and Aerostatics

How Helium Changes Voice Sound

Technology and Current Uses

6. Neon: Known for Its Glow

The Astrophysics of Neon

Earthbound: Isotopes in Volcanoes

Bright City Lights

The Helium-Neon Laser

Technology and Current Uses

7. Argon

The Astrophysics of Argon

Scuba Diving and Argon

Freezing Cancer

Technology and Current Uses

8. Krypton and Xenon

The Astrophysics of Krypton and Xenon

The Sparse Chemistry of Krypton-Not So for Xenon

Defining the Meter

Excimer Lasers

Xenon and Exotic Propulsion

Technology and Current Uses

9. Radon: A Common Menace

The Geology of Radon

Radon and Hydrology

Bad Air: In Basements and Stone Houses

Technology and Current Uses

10. Conclusions and Future Directions

Speculations on Further Developments

New Physics

New Chemistry

SI Units and Conversions

List of Acronyms

Periodic Table of the Elements

Table of Element Categories

Chronology

Glossary

Further Resources

General Resources

Index