Industrial gases — applications of neon Considering common industrial and lighting applications, which of the following statements about neon gas is correct?

Introduction / Context:
Neon is a noble (inert) gas widely recognized for its bright reddish-orange glow in electrical discharge tubes, popularly called “neon signs.” Understanding its properties clarifies where it is and is not used.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Chemical nature: inert, non-flammable.
• Lighting applications differ between discharge tubes and incandescent lamps.

Concept / Approach:
In discharge lighting, an electric field excites neon atoms, which emit characteristic light. In incandescent lamps with tungsten filaments, argon or nitrogen (and in some cases krypton/xenon) are typical fills to reduce filament evaporation; neon is not standard for these.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Check flammability: neon is inert → not flammable → option (a) false.Check discharge use: neon is widely used in luminous tubes → option (b) true.Check filament lamps: neon is not the common fill → option (c) false.Therefore, only (b) is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Lighting references list argon/nitrogen blends in incandescent bulbs and neon for discharge signage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (a) Conflicts with neon’s noble gas inertness.
• (c) Typical incandescent fills are not neon; neon would cause different behavior and coloration.
• (d) Groups incorrect statements with the correct one.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming all noble gases are interchangeable across lamp types.

Final Answer:
It is used in color discharge tubes (neon signs)