Group 0: The Noble Gases (AQA GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

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Stewart

Last updated

12 July 2024

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The noble gases

The elements in Group 0 of the Periodic Table are called the noble gases
Noble gases are:
- Non-metals
- Monatomic (exist as single atoms)
- Colourless and non-flammable gases at room temperature
Most elements participate in reactions to complete their outer shells by losing, gaining, or sharing electrons
Group 0 elements do not do this because they have full outer shells of electrons
- They are therefore unreactive (inert) and do not form molecules easily
Most noble gases have 8 electrons in their outer shell, except helium which has 2
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
Being chemically inert makes noble gases useful for many applications
- Argon is used to provide an inert atmosphere for welding
- Argon is also used to fill light bulbs

The noble gases

Diagram to show the location of the noble gases in the Periodic Table

Noble gases are located in the last group on the right hand side of the Periodic Table

Examiner Tip

You do not need to know specific uses of noble gases but be aware that they are useful in these applications due to their inertness.

Physical properties of the noble gases

There are trends in the physical properties of the noble gases
The noble gases have very low melting and boiling points
Going down the group melting and boiling point increases because:
- The atoms get larger as you move down the group and their relative atomic mass increases
- This leads to an increase in intermolecular forces between atoms
- Therefore more energy is needed to overcome these
Although elements further down the group have higher boiling points, they still lie below 0 ºC.
Helium has the lowest boiling point of all known elements at -269 ºC, while radon boils at around -60 ºC.

Boiling points of the noble gases

Graph to show the boiling points of the noble gases

This graph shows the trend in boiling point of the noble gases

Examiner Tip

Exam questions often give you the boiling point of a noble gas and ask you to estimate the value of another one, so it is important to remember the general trends in the Group 0 elements. You do not need to learn these values exactly!