What is an inert gas? Why are inert gases inert?
An inert gas, also known as a noble gas, is a group of chemical elements that are very stable and unreactive under normal conditions. These elements include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).
Inert gases are inert because they have a completely filled outermost shell of electrons, known as an octet, and therefore do not need to gain, lose, or share any electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This makes them highly stable and unreactive, as they have no tendency to form chemical bonds with other elements. In fact, they are the least reactive of all the chemical elements and are therefore often used in various applications where an unreactive atmosphere is required, such as welding, lighting, and in some medical procedures.
Inert gases can still be made to react with certain elements under special conditions, such as high pressure or high temperature, or with the addition of energy, such as through electrical discharges. However, such reactions are typically highly controlled and are not spontaneous.
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