Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
The correct answer is $\boxed{\text{(C) Nitrogen}}$.
Nitrogen is an unreactive gas because it has a very stable electron configuration. The outer shell of a nitrogen atom has eight electrons, which is the maximum number of electrons that can fit in that shell. This means that nitrogen does not need to react with other elements in order to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen are all reactive gases. Carbon dioxide is a product of combustion and is used in fire extinguishers. Hydrogen is a flammable gas that is used in rocket fuel. Oxygen is a necessary component of combustion and is used in breathing.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that is produced when carbon-containing materials are burned. It is also a component of the air that we breathe. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means that it traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.
- Hydrogen (H2) is a gas that is lighter than air. It is flammable and can be used to produce electricity. Hydrogen is also used in rocket fuel.
- Nitrogen (N2) is a gas that makes up about 78% of the air that we breathe. It is an unreactive gas, which means that it does not react with other elements easily. Nitrogen is used in fertilizers and explosives.
- Oxygen (O2) is a gas that is necessary for life. It is used in respiration, which is the process by which cells convert food into energy. Oxygen is also used in combustion, which is the process of burning fuel.