Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are:

1. explosive gases

2. inert gases

3. neutralizers

4. toxins

The correct answer is: inert gases

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are classified as inert gases. This classification is based on their chemical properties and their behavior in various processes. Inert gases are those that do not readily react with other substances; they are stable and do not form chemical bonds under standard conditions. Carbon dioxide, while it can participate in certain biochemical reactions (like photosynthesis), is generally considered inert in the context of combustion and many industrial processes. Nitrogren, making up a significant portion of Earth's atmosphere, is also largely unreactive under normal circumstances and does not actively support combustion. The inert nature of these gases makes them valuable in a variety of applications, such as creating an unreactive atmosphere for chemical reactions or storage of sensitive materials. This distinction helps in understanding their safe use in various industrial settings, as neither gas promotes combustion or reactivity, which is essential for certain safety protocols and engineering designs.