inertiigaseid

Inert gas is a term used to describe a group of chemical elements that are very unreactive. These elements are also known as noble gases, and they include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Their lack of reactivity is due to their electron configurations. They have a full outer shell of electrons, which makes them very stable and unlikely to form chemical bonds with other elements.

Inert gases are found in the Earth's atmosphere, although in very small concentrations. Argon is the most abundant inert gas, making up about 0.93% of the atmosphere. Helium is the second most abundant, at about 0.0005%. The other inert gases are present in even smaller amounts.

Despite their low abundance, inert gases have a variety of important uses. Helium is used in balloons and airships because it is lighter than air. It is also used in cryogenics and as a breathing mixture for divers. Neon is used in lighting, particularly in neon signs. Argon is used in welding and as a protective atmosphere in incandescent light bulbs. Krypton and xenon are used in high-intensity lighting, such as in photographic flashes and car headlights. Radon is a radioactive gas and is used in some medical treatments, though its use is limited due to its health risks.

The unreactive nature of inert gases also makes them useful in applications where chemical reactions would be undesirable. For example, they are used as a protective atmosphere in the manufacturing of semiconductors and in the packaging of sensitive materials. Their inertness ensures that these processes are not compromised by unwanted chemical changes.