Question

The noble gas _______ is frequently found in underground deposits of natural gas.

Short answer

The noble gas helium is frequently found in underground deposits of natural gas.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the list of noble gases

The noble gases are a group of chemical elements in the periodic table which are known for their stability and lack of reactivity. These include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).

Determine which noble gas is associated with underground natural gas deposits

Among the six noble gases, helium (He) is the one that is most frequently found in association with underground deposits of natural gas. This is due to its stability and non-reactive nature which allows it to remain trapped within these deposits for long periods of time. So, the correct answer would be: The noble gas helium is frequently found in underground deposits of natural gas.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

When we talk about the periodic table, we're referring to a chart that organizes the chemical elements in a systematic way. This arrangement is based on increasing atomic numbers, which are the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. The periodic table is incredibly helpful because it groups elements with similar properties together.

Noble gases, like helium, are found in the far-right column of the periodic table. They are called noble gases because they are particularly stable. This stability comes from having a complete outer electron shell, which makes them generally unreactive with other substances. This property is why helium can be found intact in certain natural settings, like natural gas deposits.

• Organized by atomic number
• Noble gases are on the far-right
• Stability due to complete electron shells

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are pure substances that consist entirely of one type of atom. Each element has its own unique properties and is represented by a specific symbol on the periodic table. Understanding the properties of different chemical elements allows scientists and manufacturers to predict how they will behave in natural and artificial environments.

Noble gases are a unique group of chemical elements. They have low reactivity because they have full valence electron shells, meaning they rarely form compounds with other elements. This makes them invaluable in applications requiring non-reactive environments, such as in lighting or cryogenics with helium.

• Single type of atom
• Unique characteristics
• Noble gases have low reactivity

Natural Gas Deposits

Natural gas deposits are pockets of gas found under the earth's surface, often trapped within rock formations. These deposits are primarily composed of methane, but they can include other substances, including noble gases like helium. The formation of these deposits involves organic materials being subjected to heat and pressure for millions of years.

Helium is one of the noble gases that is often found within these deposits. It is buoyant, non-toxic, and non-reactive, which allows it to remain in these environments without reacting with other elements. This makes it a valuable resource for various technological applications, as it can be extracted and used in environments where inert gases are needed.

• Contains methane and other substances
• Helium often found in these deposits
• Used in technology due to non-reactivity