Why are the noble gases the least reactive elements?
They have the same number of electrons as protons
They are all radioactive
Their outer most energy levels are complete with 8 electrons
They are the last elements in each row on the periodic table
The correct statement is: Their outermost energy levels are complete with 8 electrons.
The noble gases, also known as Group 18 elements, have full valence electron shells consisting of 8 electrons except for helium, which has 2 electrons. This electron configuration makes them stable and unreactive because they have achieved a full octet, which is the most stable electron configuration. As a result, noble gases do not readily gain, lose, or share electrons to form compounds with other elements, making them highly unreactive.
The noble gases are the least reactive elements due to the fact that their outermost energy levels are complete with 8 electrons. This is commonly known as having a full valence shell. Having a full valence shell makes the noble gases stable and less likely to undergo chemical reactions. Since they have a complete outer shell, they do not readily gain, lose, or share electrons with other atoms, which are the key factors in chemical reactions. Therefore, noble gases tend to be chemically inert and have very low reactivity.
The noble gases are the least reactive elements because their outermost energy levels are complete with 8 electrons. This stability arises from the fact that the noble gases have the same number of electrons as protons, resulting in a neutral overall charge. Their electronic configuration places them in the last column of the periodic table, known as Group 18 or Group 0, depending on the periodic table system used. Elements within this group include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
Their outermost energy levels, also known as valence shells, are completely filled with 8 electrons (except for helium, which has two electrons in its valence shell). This complete electron configuration gives the noble gases a high level of stability. Consequently, they have little tendency to gain or lose electrons, making them significantly less reactive compared to other elements.
Regarding the statement that noble gases are radioactive, it is not accurate. In fact, the noble gases are generally considered to be chemically inert or nonreactive due to their stable electron configurations. However, there are some radioactive isotopes of noble gases, such as radon-222, which are unstable and undergo radioactive decay.
To understand why noble gases are the least reactive elements, you can refer to the periodic table and look for elements in Group 18. Additionally, examining their electron configurations, particularly the number of valence electrons, will help illustrate the stability and lack of reactivity observed in noble gases.