How to Explain Neon Lights

Describe how atoms become excited which causes them to glow. Essentially, the electrons of an atom bounce around when charged with energy, as from an electrical current, and when they lose that energy they return to the nucleus (neutrons and protons) of the atom. The return to the original place sets of a discharge of energy in the form of light.

In can be further noted that the charge of the electrons is not great enough to cause them to completely break away from the atom, just to dislodge them. Inert gases such as neon have particularly inactive electrons. However, even they can reach a point where the charge is too great and even the nucleus may start to react.

Explain the nature of the gas discharge tube. The gas discharge tube, also known as a Geissler tube, is an empty glass cylinder with electrodes at each end which serve to charge the tube. The electricity present provides the charge needed to cause the electrons to speed up and move from their normal orbitals (set locations around the nucleus where the electron may be found). The tube itself is clear so that the glow from the gas contained can be seen.

Illustrate how neon signs are made to spell out certain words or create specific images. Since the tube itself can be designed in almost any way, especially since plastics and other clear compounds have replaced glass, with the gas on the inside of the tube, neon signs can be custom-built for any application.

Extrapolate the different colors of neon. Neon gas itself creates an orange color when the electrons are charged. Other gases, such as helium or argon, emit a different color when the electrons are charged. Thus, just because something is called a neon light doesn't mean it actually contains neon.