Question

What are noble gases why are they also called inert gases?

Answer 1

Noble gases

• Noble gases are present in Group $18$.
• Noble gases are chemically unreactive.
• Only a few compounds are formed by them. So, they're known as noble gases.

Noble gases are also called inert gases

• The main characteristic of the last elements in the periods of a periodic table is the stable configuration of these elements as they have completely filled outermost shells.
• All these elements have 8 electrons in their valence shell (helium has duplet configuration) and thus, they are chemically inert and are called inert gases or noble gases.
• The valence shell electronic configuration of nobles gases are $n{s}^{2}n{p}^6$, except for helium.
• So, due to the stable electronic configuration, noble gases are highly unreactive.
• Therefore, they are also known as inert gases.