Noble Gases
Elements: Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, and Radon
These elements used to be considered as "rare" or "inert" gases. They are located in group 18. This group is the farthest right column on the periodic table. All noble gases have the maximum number of electrons possible in their outer shell (2 for Helium, 8 for all others), making them stable. This also means that the noble gases do not react with the other elements in the periodic table. They are colorless, odourless, tasteless, and nonflammable gases. The noble gases were first discovered in 1785 by Henry Cavendish, a physicist and chemist. Some noble gases will react on a limited scale under very specific conditions such as Krypton and Xenon. |
Noble gases do not typically react (they already have 8 valence electrons)
These are considered monatomic gases. - Monatomic gases are gases in which atoms are not bound to each other. Helium and neon are the only truly inert gases. Uses: Noble gases are used in arc welding, to dilute the oxygen in deep-sea divers’ gas tanks, and to fill light bulbs. Helium is used to fill tires of large aircrafts, weather balloons, and blimps. Xenon is used in photographic flash units. Neon is used in signs because it gives off a bright glow when electricity is passed through it. |