Chemically inert

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

In

chemically reactive. From a thermodynamic perspective, a substance is inert, or nonlabile, if it is thermodynamically unstable (positive standard Gibbs free energy of formation) yet decomposes at a slow, or negligible rate.[1]

Most of the

noble gases, which appear in the last column of the periodic table, are classified as inert (or unreactive). These elements are stable in their naturally occurring form (gaseous form) and they are called inert gases.[2]

Noble gas

Main article: Noble gas

The noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon) were previously known as 'inert gases' because of their perceived lack of participation in any chemical reactions. The reason for this is that their outermost electron shells (valence shells) are completely filled, so that they have little tendency to gain or lose electrons. They are said to acquire a noble gas configuration, or a full electron configuration.

It is now known that most of these gases in fact do react to form

catalysts. The resulting compounds often need to be kept in moisture-free conditions at low temperatures to prevent rapid decomposition back into their elements.[citation needed
]

Inert gas

Main article: Inert gas

The term inert may also be applied in a relative sense. For example, molecular nitrogen is an inert gas under ordinary conditions, existing as diatomic molecules, N
2. The presence of a strong triple covalent bond in the N
2 molecule renders it unreactive under normal circumstances. Nevertheless, nitrogen gas does react with the alkali metal lithium to form compound lithium nitride (Li3N), even under ordinary conditions. Under high pressures and temperatures and with the right catalysts, nitrogen becomes more reactive; the Haber process uses such conditions to produce ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen.[3]

Main uses

Inert atmospheres consisting of gases such as

oxygen- or water-sensitive substances, to prevent unwanted reactions of these substances with oxygen or water. [4]

Argon is widely used in fluorescence tubes and low energy light bulbs. Argon gas helps to protect the metal filament inside the bulb from reacting with oxygen and corroding the filament under high temperature.[5]

Neon is used in making advertising signs. Neon gas in a vacuum tube glows bright red in colour when electricity is passed through. Different coloured neon lights can also be made by using other gases.[6]

Helium gas is mainly used to fill hot air and party balloons. Balloons filled with it float upwards and this phenomenon is achieved as helium gas is less dense than air.[7]

See also

References

  1. OCLC 501943698
    .
  2. ^ "The MSDS HyperGlossary: Inert". www.ilpi.com. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  3. ^ "The Haber Process for the manufacture of ammonia". www.chemguide.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  4. ^ "BBC - GCSE Bitesize: Noble gases". Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  5. ^ "Argon (Ar) - Chemical properties, Health and Environmental effects". www.lenntech.com. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  6. ^ "A Brief Summary of the Important Uses of Neon". ScienceStruck. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  7. ^ "It's Elemental - The Element Helium". education.jlab.org. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
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