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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.2 - Atoms, Molecules & IonsProblem 67
Chapter 2, Problem 67

Without looking at a periodic table, list as many noble gases as you can. (There are six common ones.)

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Step 1: Recall that noble gases are elements in Group 18 of the periodic table.
Step 2: Remember that noble gases are characterized by having a full valence shell, making them very stable and unreactive.
Step 3: Think about the common noble gases you might have encountered in everyday life or in chemistry classes.
Step 4: Consider the lighter noble gases that are often used in lighting and balloons.
Step 5: Reflect on the heavier noble gases that are less common but still part of the noble gas group.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Noble Gases

Noble gases are a group of chemical elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, known for their lack of reactivity due to having a full valence shell of electrons. This makes them stable and unlikely to form chemical bonds with other elements. The six common noble gases are helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
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Noble Gas Compounds Example

Atomic Structure

The atomic structure of an element consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. In noble gases, the complete outer electron shell contributes to their inertness. Understanding atomic structure helps explain why noble gases do not readily participate in chemical reactions, distinguishing them from other elements.
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Chemical Reactivity

Chemical reactivity refers to the tendency of an element to engage in chemical reactions. Noble gases exhibit very low reactivity due to their stable electron configuration, which means they do not easily gain, lose, or share electrons. This property is crucial for identifying noble gases and understanding their unique position in the periodic table.
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Chemical Properties
Related Practice
Textbook Question
At room temperature, a certain element is found to be a soft, silver-colored solid that reacts violently with water and is a good conductor of electricity. Is the element likely to be a metal, a nonmetal, or a semimetal?
Textbook Question

(b) Without looking at a periodic table, list as many alkaline earth metals as you can. (There are five common ones.)

Textbook Question
At room temperature, a certain element is found to be a shiny, silver-colored solid that is a poor conductor of electricity. When a sample of the element is hit with a hammer, it shatters. Is the element likely to be a metal, a nonmetal, or a semimetal?
Textbook Question

(a) Without looking at a periodic table, list as many alkali metals as you can. (There are five common ones.)

Textbook Question
Without looking at a periodic table, list as many halogens as you can. (There are four common ones.)
Textbook Question
At room temperature, a certain element is yellow crystalline solid. It does not conduct electricity and when hit with a hammer, it shatters. Is the element likely to be a metal, a nonmetal, or a semimetal?
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