Why doesn't inert gas affect reaction rate?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that inert gases, such as nitrogen (N2), do not influence reaction rates due to their stable octet electronic structure, which prevents them from participating in chemical reactions. The primary role of inert gases in a reaction mixture is to dilute the reactants, potentially affecting the concentration of reactive species rather than the reaction rate itself. This distinction is crucial for understanding the dynamics of chemical reactions and the factors that influence them.

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Notwen7
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Just as the title says, I'm having difficulty understanding why the concentration of inert gas is not included in the reaction rate. I would think adding a higher concentration of N2 (or some other inert gas) would increase the reaction rate. Perhaps, I'm confusing reaction rate with space time?
 
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This is possibly because inert gases have stable octate electronic structure and hence cannot be sites(heterogenous) for nucleation which in other terms is reaction.
 
Because it's inert. By the very definition of inert it doesn't react. The only thing an inert gas can do is dilute the reactants and that might affect reaction rates.
 
Makes sense. Thank you pukb and Dr Morbius!
 

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