Question

The noble gas present in relatively large concentrations in the atmosphere is ____________.

Short answer

Argon (Ar)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the noble gases

Noble gases are a group of chemical elements that have similar properties. They are found in Group 18 of the periodic table and include Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn). All noble gases have full valence electron shells, making them highly stable and unreactive under normal conditions.

Research the relative concentrations of noble gases in the atmosphere

Refer to the scientific resources, such as textbooks or reliable websites, to find the relative concentrations of noble gases in the Earth's atmosphere. We can find that the concentrations of noble gases in the atmosphere are as follows: - Helium (He): 5.2 ppm (parts per million) - Neon (Ne): 18.2 ppm - Argon (Ar): 9340 ppm - Krypton (Kr): 1.14 ppm - Xenon (Xe): 0.087 ppm - Radon (Rn): trace amounts

Compare the concentrations and identify the noble gas with the highest concentration

By comparing the concentrations of all the noble gases, we can determine that Argon (Ar) has the highest concentration in the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 9340 ppm. Therefore, the noble gas present in relatively large concentrations in the atmosphere is:

Conclusion

Argon (Ar).

Key concepts

The Periodic Table and Noble Gases

The periodic table provides a comprehensive layout of all known chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Each column, known as a group, contains elements with similar properties. One noteworthy group is Group 18, which consists of the noble gases.

Noble gases, found in the last column of the periodic table, are characterized by their full valence electron shells. This delivers key insights into their inert nature, resulting in minimal chemical reactivity. By understanding the position and characteristics of noble gases on the periodic table, students gain a fundamental appreciation for how elements are grouped based on shared properties.

Understanding Valence Electron Shells

Valence electron shells hold immense significance in chemistry, as they influence an element's chemical behavior. These outermost electron shells are where chemical bonds form. For noble gases, these shells are completely full, accommodating eight electrons, except for helium, which has room for only two. A full valence shell signifies maximum stability, which is why noble gases rarely participate in chemical reactions. This concept is crucial for students as it explains the lack of reactivity observed in these elements, making them distinctive in the periodic table and within chemical interactions.

Properties of Chemical Elements

Every chemical element has a unique set of properties that define its interactions and potential uses. These properties include reactivity, electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic radius, and melting and boiling points. Noble gases stand out due to their lack of reactivity, caused by their stable electron configurations. For instance, argon, the noble gas with the highest concentration in Earth's atmosphere, does not readily react with other elements. Students should explore these properties to understand the behavior of noble gases further, providing context for the role they play in the atmosphere and various applications.

Earth's Atmosphere Composition

The composition of Earth's atmosphere is a complex mixture of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases, including the noble gases. Among these, argon is the most prevalent noble gas, occurring at about 9340 ppm (parts per million). It substantially outweighs the other noble gases like helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and radon. This knowledge of atmosphere composition not only highlights argon's relative abundance but also influences our understanding of atmospheric processes and the importance of atmospheric gases in maintaining life on Earth.