Overview
Xenon is a heavy, inert noble gas with applications in lighting, anesthesia and specialized imaging techniques.
Properties
It is chemically inert under most conditions but forms stable compounds under extreme conditions and has high density.
Occurrence and Uses
Present in trace atmospheric amounts, xenon is used in flash lamps, ion propulsion, anesthesia and as a contrast agent in some imaging research.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Xe 124 to Xe 136; xenon is nonreactive though some isotopes are used in nuclear applications requiring controls.