Science
Magnesium burns quickly in flashbulbs when an electric current passes through it, providing a bright light for exposing film. Why do you suppose the inside of the bulb containing the magnesium is filled with a "noble" gas instead of air??
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Answers
The noble gas inside the bulb serves as an oxygen-free environment. Oxidation of the magnesium can reduce its efficiency as a light source, so it is important to create an environment where oxygen is absent. The noble gas also serves to reduce the amount of energy lost as heat due to the reaction between the magnesium and air. By surrounding the magnesium with a noble gas, the energy can be directed solely towards the production of light instead of being used for heating.
