Group 0 Gases (WJEC GCSE Chemistry)

Group 0 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 monoatomic, 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

The Periodic Table showing the location of the noble gases

Noble gases are located in Group 0 / 8 of the Periodic Table 

• Although they are all unreactive, noble gases have other properties that make them ideal for different uses 

• Helium has a very low density and is unreactive so is used in airships and weather balloons 

• Neon emits light when electric current passes through t so is used in advertising signs 

• Argon is unreactive so is used in light bulbs and as an inert atmosphere for welding