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In chemistry, the term chemically inert is used to describe a substance that is not 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.
An inert gas is a gas that does not readily undergo chemical reactions with other chemical substances and therefore does not readily form chemical compounds. Though inert gases have a variety of applications, they are generally used to prevent unwanted chemical reactions with the oxygen ( oxidation ) and moisture ( hydrolysis ) in the air from ...
Since the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, [89] helium has replaced hydrogen as a lifting gas in blimps and balloons: despite an 8.6% [90] decrease in buoyancy compared to hydrogen, helium is not combustible. [13] In many applications, the noble gases are used to provide an inert atmosphere.
The term inerting is often loosely used for any application involving an inert gas, not conforming with the technical definitions in NFPA standards. For example, marine tankers carrying low-flash products like crude oil, naphtha, or gasoline have inerting systems on board. During the voyage, the vapor pressure of these liquids is so high, that ...
Radon is not chemically inert, but its short half-life (3.8 days for 222 Rn) and the high energy of its radioactivity make it difficult to investigate its only fluoride (RnF 2), its reported oxide (RnO 3), and their reaction products.
Shielding gases fall into two categories—inert or semi-inert. Only two of the noble gases, helium and argon, are cost effective enough to be used in welding.These inert gases are used in gas tungsten arc welding, and also in gas metal arc welding for the welding of non-ferrous metals.
The fact that there was a component of air that does not support combustion was clear to Rutherford, although he was not aware that it was an element. Nitrogen was also studied at about the same time by Carl Wilhelm Scheele , [ 13 ] Henry Cavendish , [ 14 ] and Joseph Priestley , [ 15 ] who referred to it as burnt air or phlogisticated air .
Inert gas systems have been required on oil tankers since the SOLAS regulations of 1974. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes technical standard IMO-860 describing the requirements for inert gas systems. Other types of cargo such as bulk chemicals may also be carried in inerted tanks, but the inerting gas must be compatible ...