Question

Identify the inert gas among the following.

• A. Argon
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Oxygen
• D. Carbon dioxide

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Argon

The explanation for the correct option:
(A) Argon$\left(\mathrm{Ar}\right)$

• An inert gas is a gas that has extremely low reactivity with other substances. The term inert means non-reactive.
• Inert gases are also known as noble gases which are placed in group 18 of the periodic table.
• Inert gases are Helium$\left(\mathrm{He}\right)$, Neon$\left(\mathrm{Ne}\right)$, Argon$\left(\mathrm{Ar}\right)$, Krypton$\left(\mathrm{Kr}\right)$, Xenon$\left(\mathrm{Xe}\right)$, and Radon$\left(\mathrm{Rn}\right)$.

The explanation for the incorrect options:
(B) Nitrogen$\left({\mathrm{N}}_2\right)$

• Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere. It is called an inactive gas.
• Nitrogen does not support combustion.
• Nitrogen forms the basic building blocks of proteins in the bodies of all organisms.
• It is also essential for plant growth and development.

(C) Oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$

• Oxygen is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere.
• It is a chemically reactive gas.
• Oxygen is required by all living things to survive.
• Oxygen is used to obtain energy from the food we eat this process is called respiration.

(D) Carbon dioxide$\left({\mathrm{CO}}_2\right)$

• Carbon dioxide is also a chemically reactive gas.
• Carbon dioxide does not support combustion.
• Carbon dioxide is released by living things during respiration.
• It is also released during the combustion of substances.

Hence, option(A) is correct.