Krypton (Kr) Fun Facts

36 Kr
Superhero Identity

"The Hidden Hero, an elusive and noble hero, often mistaken for a superhero's one weakness."

The true essence of Krypton (Kr) on the molecular frontier.

Appearance

Krypton is a colorless, odorless, tasteless inert gas.

Everyday Connection

Krypton is found in the high-intensity gas inside an airport runway light.

In Pop Culture

Krypton is the home planet of Superman � though the real element has no relation.

Did You Know?

1

Its name comes from the Greek word 'kryptos', meaning 'the hidden one', because it was difficult to find and isolate.

2

Krypton is famously associated with Superman's home planet, although the real element has no connection to the comic book hero.

3

From 1960 to 1983, the official length of a meter was defined in terms of the wavelength of light emitted by krypton-86 atoms.

4

When an electric current is passed through krypton gas, it produces a smoky-white light, which is used in high-powered "halogen" headlights and photographic flashes.

5

Krypton is one of the rarest gases in the Earth's atmosphere, making up only about one part per million.