Why are the noble gases the least reactive elements? (1 point)
1. They have a full valence electron shell.
2. They have an empty inner electron shell.
3. They are the most electronegative elements.
4. They are the elements with the smallest atomic mass.
1. They have a full valence electron shell.
The noble gases are the least reactive elements because they have a full valence electron shell.
The correct answer is:
1. They have a full valence electron shell.
Explanation:
The noble gases, such as helium, neon, and argon, have a full valence electron shell, meaning they have the maximum number of electrons in their outermost energy level. A full valence electron shell makes these elements stable because they have achieved a balanced electron configuration, similar to the stable configuration of the noble gas atoms. By having a complete set of electrons, the noble gases have no tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. This makes them less likely to engage in chemical reactions and thus the least reactive elements on the periodic table.
To find the answer to this question, you would need to have some knowledge of the periodic table and the properties of noble gases. By understanding the concept of valence electrons and how they influence an element's reactivity, you can deduce that having a full valence electron shell is the reason for the noble gases' low reactivity. This information can be found in chemistry textbooks or online resources about periodic trends and noble gases.