Why are noble gases less reactive than other elements?

Answer 1

There are several reasons why noble gasses are stable (as gasses at room temperature). First of all, there is the obvious full valence shell. The trend in the Periodic Table makes clear that the charge of the nucleus grows from left to right in every period. The attractive force towards the electrons therefore increases.

Answer 2

Each of the noble gases has a completely filled ring of electrons in the outer shell. This makes them less susceptible to gaining or losing electrons and this is what keeps them stable.

In more detail:

Every atom consists of a nucleus surrounded by one or more rings of electrons.

These rings hold either 2 (only for helium), 8 or 18 electrons.

Electron rings which are only partly filled are able to readily accept or lose their electrons and are inherently unstable.

If you look on a periodic table, you will see the noble gases on the right, all with completely filled electron rings.

Answer 3

Noble gases have completely filled orbitals. They generally have 8 valence electrons (helium has only 2) and have stable electronic configuration. Hence they are chemically inert and generally donot form compounds under normal conditions.

Answer 4

In chemistry, the term stable means non reactive, or a full outer energy shell. Noble gases are in group eight, so they each have eight valence (or outer energy level) electrons, with the exception of helium. This means that they have a completed outer energy level. A chemical reaction will only occur (without any form of energy being added) if the reaction will form a compound that is more stable than the two elements or compounds in question. Because noble gases already have a full eight valence electrons, no reaction with another element or compound could possibly cause them to become more stable, so any noble gas reaction has to have a form of energy added like heat or electricity. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Noble gases have full outer electron shells, making them stable and less likely to form chemical bonds with other elements. This results in them having low reactivity compared to other elements that are seeking to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Answer 6

Their combination of low electronegativities and high first ionization potentials.

Answer 7

Their stable electron configuration of ns2 np6 make them less reactive in comparison to many other atoms.