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
Examiner Tip
Noble gases all have 8 electrons in the outer shell, except for helium which has 2.
