Noble Gases Properties & Electronic Structure
The Noble gases
- The Noble gases are in Group VIII (or Group O) and have very low melting and boiling points
- They are all monatomic, colourless gases
- The Group 0 elements all have full outer shells
- This electronic configuration is extremely stable so these elements are unreactive and are inert
- Electronic configurations of the Noble gases:
- He 2
- Ne 2, 8
- Ar 2, 8, 8
- Kr 2, 8, 18, 8
- Xe 2, 8, 18, 18, 8
Noble gases are inert (unreactive) as they have a full outer shell of electrons so do not easily lose or gain electrons
Uses of the Noble gases
- Helium is used for filling balloons and weather balloons as it is less dense than air and does not burn
- Neon, argon and xenon are used in advertising signs
- Argon is used to provide an inert atmosphere for welding
- Argon is also used to fill electric light bulbs as it is inert
