Answer the question on basis of passage given below:

The noble gases have closed shell electronic configuration and are monatomic gases under normal conditions. The low boiling points of lighter noble gases are due to the weak dispersion forces between the atoms and the absence of other inter atomic interaction. The direct reaction of xenon with fluorine leads to a series of compounds with oxidation numbers +2, +4 and +6.

\(XeF_4\) reacts violently with water to give \(XeO_3\). The compound of Xenon exhibit stereoisomerism and their geometries can be deduced considering the total number of electrons in the valence shell.

Argon is used in arc welding because it has

Lower reactivity with metals

The correct answer is option 1. Lower reactivity with metals.

Argon is commonly used as a shielding gas in arc welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). It is chosen for its inertness and lack of chemical reactivity with most metals at elevated temperatures.

During welding, the arc generates intense heat that can cause metal to react with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen, leading to undesirable effects such as oxidation, porosity, and brittleness in the welded joint. Argon, being inert, creates a protective atmosphere around the weld pool, preventing these reactions and ensuring a cleaner, higher quality weld.

Therefore, option (1) Lower reactivity with metals is the reason why argon is used in arc welding.