2006-10-23 13:03:11 · 6 answers · asked by nicole0691 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Because some of them - the heavier - can make bonds, like Xe in XeF4 or XeOF2
2006-10-23 13:10:24 · answer #1 · answered by Dimos F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the old days they were called inert because chemists thought that these elemets could not react with anything. But as time went on chemist found ways to react these elements to form compounds for example XeCl2 can be formed and is used in laser techogoly. So I would guess that after time I new name came along, with them all being gasses and having a full outer electron shell the phase noble gas was termed.
2006-10-23 20:15:19 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Hex Vision 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are still called the inert gases by most people, but some people might disagree, because there HAVE been some compounds formed containing some of the inert elements. Notably, I know that Xe and Ne have formed compounds, but I can't remembe exactly what they were. But they have made them.
2006-10-23 20:13:56 · answer #3 · answered by MrZ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are only inert in Ionic bonding and synthesizing. The inert gasses, especially ones such as Helium, can be made to synthesize into other chemicals by forcing them together. This is why they are not classified "inert", unless trying to bond it into an ionic compound. The reason why they are inert in ionic chemistry is because their charge is 0, meaning they have as many electrons in their outer shell as they need, and will not bond with another element. When electrons are taken out of the inert gas by force, then the element is no longer inert, and can bond with other elements with the opposing charge.
Short answer - They are only classified inert in ionic chemistry, where it must find an opposing charged element that will bond with it. 0 has no charge and therefore cannot bond with another ion.
2006-10-23 20:06:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They were first called inert gases because they think that these gases are not reactive but as time goes by, our chemists found out that some of those gases react with other atoms but they are very rare...
They are called Noble gases because of the Noble Family... Noble family is a very rich family which are not very close with other people but sometimes, they join people in their festivals and other occasions...
2006-10-24 06:03:38 · answer #5 · answered by King 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are called noble gases because they do not react... Easily.
2006-10-23 20:05:03 · answer #6 · answered by San Jose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋