Inert substance
This is the current revision of Inert substance as edited by CPalmer (talk | contribs) at 12:01, May 1, 2009. This URL is a permanent link to this version of this page.
An inert substance is an element which does not easily react with other chemicals. Most of the group 8 gases (Argon etc.) in the periodic table are classified as inert, due to their having full outer electron shells. Such substances are useful when working with very reactive substances; for example, reactions that would become uncontrollable in the presence of oxygen can be conducted in an atmosphere of argon.