What is the Difference Between Noble Gas and Inert Gas?

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:

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.