Question

Inert gases have zero valency. Give reason.

Answer 1

• The number of electrons gained, lost, or shared during compound formation is called valency.
• The electrons present in the outermost shell are called valence electrons.
• Noble gases are the elements which belong to group 18 of the periodic table.
• This includes elements like helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
• Noble gases have no free electrons in the valence shell or they have complete octets and thus, elements are in a stable state.
• Therefore, they cannot gain, lose or share electrons with atoms of other elements. So, their valency is zero.