What is the Difference Between Noble Gas and Inert Gas?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between noble gases and inert gases lies in their chemical reactivity and the conditions under which they display non-reactivity. Here are the key points:
- Noble gases are elements belonging to Group 18 of the periodic table, including helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. They are nonreactive or have very low chemical reactivity and are typically monoatomic gases that are colorless and odorless.
- Inert gases are gases that do not readily undergo chemical reactions with other chemical substances. The term "inert gas" is context-dependent, as several noble gases can be made to react under certain conditions. Not all inert gases are noble gases; for example, nitrogen can be considered an inert gas under some conditions.
- Inert gases are used to prevent undesirable chemical reactions, such as oxidation and hydrolysis reactions with oxygen.
- Noble gases are elemental, while inert gases may be compounds or mixtures of gases.
- Under standard conditions, noble gases are nearly ideal gases, with weak interatomic forces dominated by van der Waals interactions.
In summary, all noble gases are considered inert due to their low chemical reactivity, but not all inert gases are noble gases, as some inert gases may display reactivity under different conditions. Noble gases are elemental, while inert gases may be compounds or mixtures of gases.
Comparative Table: Noble Gas vs Inert Gas
The terms "noble gas" and "inert gas" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between them. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:
Property | Noble Gas | Inert Gas |
---|---|---|
Definition | Noble gases are a group of elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, known for their non-reactivity or very low chemical reactivity. | Inert gases are gases that do not undergo chemical reactions under specific conditions. |
Examples | Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn). | Nitrogen (N). |
Reactivity | Noble gases have minimal reactivity due to their filled outer electron shells, which restricts them from participating in chemical reactions. | Inert gases may react under changed conditions, and their reactivity is not intrinsic like that of noble gases. |
Noble gases are considered inert under most conditions, but not all inert gases are noble gases. For example, nitrogen is considered an inert gas under some conditions but does not belong to the noble gas group.
- Noble Gas Configuration vs Electron Configuration
- Ideal Gas vs Real Gas
- Liquid vs Gas
- Gas vs Vapor
- Ideal Gas Law vs Real Gas Law
- Carbon Monoxide vs Natural Gas
- Plasma vs Gas
- Liquid Oxygen vs Gas Oxygen
- Combined Gas Law vs Ideal Gas Law
- Organic vs Inorganic Nitrogen
- Propane vs Natural Gas
- Oxygen vs Carbon Dioxide
- Dry Ice vs Liquid Nitrogen
- Oil vs Gas
- Krypton vs Argon
- Nitrogen vs Nitrate
- Argon vs Oxygen
- Organic Chemistry vs Inorganic Chemistry
- Compressed Gas vs Compressed Air