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Group 0: the noble gases
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The noble gases barely react at all. Their stability comes from a full outer shell.
Inert gases
Helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon.
They have a full outer shell of electrons, so they do not need to gain, lose or share electrons. They are unreactive (inert) and exist as single atoms.
They have a full outer shell of electrons, so they do not need to gain, lose or share electrons. They are unreactive (inert) and exist as single atoms.
Uses
Helium: balloons and airships (low density, not flammable).
Argon: filling light bulbs and welding (stops the metal reacting with oxygen).
Neon: advertising signs.
Argon: filling light bulbs and welding (stops the metal reacting with oxygen).
Neon: advertising signs.
Trends
Down the group, boiling point and density increase.
Why is argon used inside filament lamps?
- The hot filament would react with oxygen.
- Argon is inert, so the filament does not burn.
Answer: It is unreactive.
Noble gases have full outer shells, so they are unreactive and monatomic. Helium for balloons, argon for lamps and welding, neon for signs. Boiling point rises down the group.
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