Question

Which elements are non-reactive? Explain in terms of their electronic configuration?

Answer 1

Part 1:

1. Non-reactive metal atoms have complete outer shells and thus do not tend to lose, gain, or share electrons.
2. So, all elements having a filled outermost shell are non-reactive.
3. They are also known as noble gases.

Part 2:

1. The electronic configuration is the distribution of electrons in an element's atomic orbitals.
2. All elements with eight electrons in their outermost shell (except Helium, which has two electrons in its outermost shell) are chemically inactive.