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Groups in the Periodic Table

Group 0: the noble gases

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

Why the noble gases are inert, their electron arrangements, the uses of helium, argon and neon that follow from inertness and low density, and the trends in boiling point and density down group 0.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Explain how the inertness of the noble gases is used in filament bulbs, welding, illuminated signs and diving gas mixtures.

Key term

Describe the outer shell electron arrangements of the noble gases and why they leave them unreactive, unlike sodium.

Key term

How many electrons are in the outer shell of an argon atom?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why are the noble gases chemically inert?

    Model answer

    Their atoms already have a full outer shell, so they have no tendency to lose, gain or share electrons.

  2. 2

    How many electrons are in the outer shell of an argon atom?

    Model answer

    An argon atom has eight electrons in its outer shell.

  3. 3

    How does the electron arrangement of helium differ from that of the other noble gases?

    Model answer

    Helium has just two electrons, which fill its only shell, while the others have eight in the outer shell.

  4. 4

    Give the electronic configuration of a neon atom and say why neon does not react.

    Model answer

    Neon is 2,8, and its full outer shell means it does not need to gain, lose or share electrons.

  5. 5

    Why do the noble gases exist as single atoms rather than as molecules?

    Model answer

    Their outer shells are already full, so their atoms have no need to bond to anything.

  6. 6

    Explain, in terms of electrons, why sodium reacts readily but argon does not.

    Model answer

    A sodium atom has one outer electron that it can lose, while an argon atom already has a full outer shell.

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