What classification do carbon dioxide and nitrogen fall under?

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are classified as inert gases. Inert gases are substances that do not readily react with other chemicals; they are stable and, under standard conditions, do not support combustion.

Carbon dioxide, while it can have toxic effects in high concentrations due to its ability to displace oxygen, does not participate in combustion. It is often utilized in fire extinguishers for this very reason. Nitrogen makes up a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere and also does not react with most substances at normal temperatures and pressures.

The classification as inert gases highlights their chemical stability and non-reactivity under many conditions, which is critical for applications in various industries, such as in preserving food, in chemical processes, and in providing a non-reactive atmosphere for specific reactions.