Question

Explain why noble gases are unreactive while atoms of elements other than noble gases are chemically reactive.

Answer 1

Noble gases :

• Noble gases are those elements which have 0 valence electrons.
• Noble gases are stable.
• Noble gases make group of elements with similar properties.
• Under standard conditions, they are odourless, colourless etc.
• They are monoatomic gases with very low chemical reactivity.

Conclusion :

• Noble gases are unreactive because the atoms of noble gases already have complete outer shells.
• Noble gases have no tendency to lose, gain or share electrons.
• This is why the noble gases are inert and do not take part in chemical reactions.
• Atoms of other elements are unreactive or unstable because
• They have unstable electronic configuration.
• Their outermost shell is incomplete.
• They can lose, gain or share electrons.
• Thus they are chemically reactive.