Noble Gases (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Chemistry): Revision Note

Noble Gases Properties & Electronic Configuration

The Noble Gases

• The noble gases are in Group VIII (or Group 0); they are non-metals and have very low melting and boiling points

• They are all monatomic, colourless gases

• The Group VIII 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