inerttikaasut

Inerttikaasut, also known as noble gases, are a group of chemical elements that share similar properties. They are all colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-flammable gases under standard conditions. The six naturally occurring inerttikaasut are helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn). They are located in Group 18 (formerly Group 0) of the periodic table.

The defining characteristic of inerttikaasut is their extremely low reactivity. This is due to their electron configurations, specifically their full valence electron shells. This stable arrangement makes them very unlikely to form chemical bonds with other elements. While they are often referred to as "inert," this is not entirely accurate, as some compounds have been synthesized with heavier inerttikaasut like xenon under extreme conditions.

Inerttikaasut have various practical applications. Helium is used in balloons, airships, and as a coolant in MRI machines due to its low boiling point. Neon is famous for its use in lighting, producing a distinctive red-orange glow. Argon is employed in welding as a protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation and in incandescent light bulbs to prevent filament burnout. Krypton and xenon find uses in specialized lighting, lasers, and in some medical imaging techniques. Radon, being radioactive, is primarily studied for its radiological properties and is found naturally in the ground.