- It is a chemical element with atomic number 18 and symbol Ar group 18 of periodic table noble gas. It is the 3rd most abundant gas in the earth’s atmosphere at 0.934%- 9340ppmv. Often used when an inert atmosphere is required because of the production of titanium and reactive elements—also used by welders to protect the weld area, in incandescent light bulbs to stop oxygen from corroding the filaments.