inert gas
Plural
inert gases
1
a group of non-reactive gases that typically exhibit low chemical reactivity due to their stable electron configurations
- Inert gases like helium and argon are commonly used in welding to shield the molten metal from reacting with oxygen in the air.
- The packaging of sensitive electronic components often includes inert gases to prevent oxidation and degradation.
- Inert gases such as neon are used in neon signs to produce characteristic bright colors when electrically charged.
- Laboratories use inert gases like nitrogen to create an oxygen-free environment for certain chemical reactions.
- Deep-sea divers breathe a mixture of oxygen and inert gases like helium to prevent nitrogen narcosis at great depths.