Inert Gas vs. Noble Gas

Attribute	Inert Gas	Noble Gas
Atomic Number	18	18
Symbol	He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn	He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn
Electron Configuration	1s² 2s² 2p⁶ (He) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ (Ne) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ (Ar) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ (Kr) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ (Xe) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7p⁶ (Rn)	1s² 2s² 2p⁶ (He) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ (Ne) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ (Ar) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ (Kr) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ (Xe) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7p⁶ (Rn)
Atomic Mass	4.0026 u (He) 20.1797 u (Ne) 39.948 u (Ar) 83.798 u (Kr) 131.293 u (Xe) 222 u (Rn)	4.0026 u (He) 20.1797 u (Ne) 39.948 u (Ar) 83.798 u (Kr) 131.293 u (Xe) 222 u (Rn)
Group	18 (VIII A)	18 (VIII A)
Period	1 (He) 2 (Ne) 3 (Ar) 4 (Kr) 5 (Xe) 6 (Rn)	1 (He) 2 (Ne) 3 (Ar) 4 (Kr) 5 (Xe) 6 (Rn)
Block	s-block (He) p-block (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn)	s-block (He) p-block (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn)
State at Room Temperature	Gas	Gas
Color	Colorless	Colorless
Odor	Odorless	Odorless
Density	0.0001785 g/cm³ (He) 0.0008999 g/cm³ (Ne) 0.0017837 g/cm³ (Ar) 0.003733 g/cm³ (Kr) 0.005887 g/cm³ (Xe) 0.00973 g/cm³ (Rn)	0.0001785 g/cm³ (He) 0.0008999 g/cm³ (Ne) 0.0017837 g/cm³ (Ar) 0.003733 g/cm³ (Kr) 0.005887 g/cm³ (Xe) 0.00973 g/cm³ (Rn)
Melting Point	-272.2 °C (He) -248.6 °C (Ne) -189.3 °C (Ar) -157.4 °C (Kr) -111.8 °C (Xe) -71.2 °C (Rn)	-272.2 °C (He) -248.6 °C (Ne) -189.3 °C (Ar) -157.4 °C (Kr) -111.8 °C (Xe) -71.2 °C (Rn)
Boiling Point	-268.9 °C (He) -246.1 °C (Ne) -185.9 °C (Ar) -153.2 °C (Kr) -108.1 °C (Xe) -61.7 °C (Rn)	-268.9 °C (He) -246.1 °C (Ne) -185.9 °C (Ar) -153.2 °C (Kr) -108.1 °C (Xe) -61.7 °C (Rn)
Electronegativity	Unknown	Unknown
Ionization Energy	24.5874 eV (He) 21.5645 eV (Ne) 15.7596 eV (Ar) 13.9996 eV (Kr) 12.1298 eV (Xe) 10.7485 eV (Rn)	24.5874 eV (He) 21.5645 eV (Ne) 15.7596 eV (Ar) 13.9996 eV (Kr) 12.1298 eV (Xe) 10.7485 eV (Rn)
Electron Affinity	Unknown	Unknown
Common Uses	Used in balloons, diving, lasers, cryogenics, etc.	Used in balloons, diving, lasers, cryogenics, etc.

Introduction

Inert gases and noble gases are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. While both terms refer to elements that are generally unreactive, there are some subtle differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the attributes of inert gases and noble gases, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Definition and Characteristics

Inert gases, also known as noble gases, are a group of chemical elements that exhibit low reactivity due to their stable electron configurations. This stability arises from having a full outer electron shell, making them less likely to form chemical bonds with other elements. The noble gases include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).

One of the key characteristics of inert gases is their colorless and odorless nature. They are also gases at room temperature and have low boiling points. In addition, they are all monoatomic, meaning they exist as single atoms rather than molecules. These properties make them useful in various applications, such as lighting, cryogenics, and as protective atmospheres in certain industrial processes.

Similarities

Both inert gases and noble gases share several similarities. Firstly, they are both unreactive under normal conditions. This is because their electron configurations are already stable, and they do not readily gain or lose electrons to form compounds. Secondly, they are all located in Group 18 of the periodic table, also known as the noble gas group. This group is characterized by having a full outer electron shell, which contributes to their inertness.

Another similarity is their low boiling points and melting points. All inert gases and noble gases are gases at room temperature, except for helium, which remains a gas even at extremely low temperatures. This property makes them suitable for various applications where low temperatures are required, such as in cryogenics and refrigeration.

Furthermore, both inert gases and noble gases are used in lighting applications. Neon, argon, krypton, and xenon are commonly used in different types of lighting, including neon signs, fluorescent lights, and high-intensity discharge lamps. Their ability to emit bright and colorful light when an electric current passes through them makes them ideal for these purposes.

Differences

While inert gases and noble gases share many similarities, there are some notable differences between the two. Firstly, the term "inert gas" is more general and can include other elements or compounds that exhibit low reactivity. On the other hand, "noble gases" specifically refers to the six elements mentioned earlier (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon).

Another difference lies in their abundance in the Earth's atmosphere. Noble gases, particularly argon and helium, are present in significant amounts in the atmosphere. Argon, for example, constitutes about 0.93% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the third most abundant gas. In contrast, other inert gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, are much more abundant in the atmosphere.

Additionally, noble gases have various practical applications beyond their use in lighting. Helium, for instance, is widely used for filling balloons, as it is lighter than air and does not burn. It is also used in cryogenics, as a coolant for superconducting magnets, and in medical applications. Radon, although radioactive, is used in cancer treatment. These applications are not typically associated with other inert gases.

Furthermore, noble gases have been extensively studied for their potential use in lasers. Helium-neon lasers, argon lasers, and krypton lasers are examples of noble gas lasers that have found applications in scientific research, medicine, and industry. In contrast, other inert gases do not possess the same laser properties and are not commonly used in laser technology.

Conclusion

In summary, inert gases and noble gases share many similarities due to their stable electron configurations and low reactivity. They are both unreactive under normal conditions, have low boiling points, and are used in lighting applications. However, noble gases specifically refer to the six elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, while the term "inert gas" can include other elements or compounds. Noble gases also have unique properties and applications, such as their abundance in the atmosphere, use in lasers, and various practical uses beyond lighting. Understanding the attributes of inert gases and noble gases helps us appreciate their importance in various scientific, industrial, and everyday applications.