Neon signs are comprised of glass tubes that are formed into a design, processed, and sealed in a special way to allow electricity to enter into the tube while keeping preferred elements from exiting.
Inside of each neon tube there are gasses, typically Neon, Argon/Helium, or a combination of these gasses. Argon filled tubes also contain a bit of mercury to enhance the natural blue glow argon emits on its own.
When we break the gasses and elements contained inside of a neon tube down into atoms we have ourselves a party; providing that the atmosphere is just right.
The "right" atmosphere for our Atomic party is a vacuum. Introduce Electric and let the controlled sparks fly!
Transitions take place within the atoms due to of a series of collisions instigated by the constant introduction of electricity through the electrodes at each end of a neon tube. When a collision occurs between two atoms their electrons change in value. It is at this instant that the neon gases glow.
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