Why is nitrogen used as an inert atmosphere in chemical and industrial processes?

Nitrogen is used as an inert atmosphere in chemical and industrial processes primarily due to the high stability of the nitrogen molecule ($N_2$). The molecule features a very strong triple bond with a high bond energy of 226 kilocalories per mole, which is surpassed only by carbon monoxide.1

Because of this exceptionally high bond energy, the activation energy required for molecular nitrogen to react is typically very high. Consequently, nitrogen remains relatively inert to most reagents under ordinary conditions.1

In industrial applications, this nonreactive nature allows nitrogen to serve several critical functions:
* Prevention of degradation: It is used to prevent oxidation, moisture contamination, or other forms of deterioration in products.2
* Safety and stability: It acts as an inert diluent for reactive gases and serves as an inhibitor to prevent fires or explosions.2
* Industrial utility: It is employed as a carrier gas to remove heat or chemicals and is used in the metals industry during welding, soldering, and brazing to prevent oxidation, carburization, and decarburization.2