Question

Why are the elements of Group 8 referred to as the noble or inert gas elements?

Short answer

Group 8 elements, also known as noble gases or inert gas elements, are referred to as such due to their unique properties, including low reactivity, chemical stability, and full electron shells. These properties make them superior or distinguished compared to other elements, hence the term "noble." Their inertness or very low reactivity with other elements under normal conditions earns them the name "inert gas elements."

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify Group 8 Elements

Group 8 elements, also known as noble gases or inert gas elements, are found in the last column of the periodic table. They include Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn).

2. Electronic Configuration of Noble Gases

The electronic configuration of noble gases is vital to understanding their properties. All noble gases have a completely filled outermost electron shell in their atomic structure, except for Helium which has a completely filled first electron shell with 2 electrons. Due to this stable electron configuration, noble gases exhibit unique properties that differentiate them from other elements.

3. Chemical Properties of Noble Gases

Noble gases are known for their extremely low reactivity or inertness. This is mainly attributed to their full electron shells, which make them unlikely to participate in chemical reactions. Since they don't readily form chemical bonds with other elements, noble gases are stable and non-reactive under normal conditions.

4. Physical Properties of Noble Gases

In addition to their chemical inertness, noble gases are colorless, odorless, and tasteless gases at room temperature and pressure. Due to their low reactivity, noble gases have very low boiling and melting points. They also have low chemical potential, which means that their tendency to change or react is very low.

5. Why Noble Gases are called Noble or Inert Gas Elements

The term "noble" is derived from the word "nobility," which implies something that is superior or distinguished. Similarly, noble gases are distinguished from other elements because of their unique characteristics, such as chemical stability and low reactivity. They are called inert gas elements because they exhibit very little or no reactivity with other elements under normal conditions. These properties make noble gases an exceptional group of elements in the periodic table.