Question

Inert gases have zero valencies. Why?

Answer 1

• They tend to achieve stable electronic configuration or to have a complete octet in their outermost orbit.
• The electrons gained or shared by an atom of an element to complete its outermost shell are known as valency.
• For inert gas, valency is zero.
• This is because atoms of inert gases already have filled outer shells. So, they do not lose, gain, or share electrons.
• Since they have very high ionization enthalpy because they already have a stable electronic configuration.
• Thus, the valency of inert gases is zero.
• Because of the zero valences of inert gases, they do not take part in a chemical reaction.