please answer i am in a science lesson, answer asap
2006-10-31 22:48:18 · 12 answers · asked by scott m 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Keep it simple Scott - a good GCSE answer would be because they have a full outer shell of electrons. You cannot say 8 because as you go down the periodic table the noble gases have 18 electrons in their outer shell
2006-10-31 23:14:00 · answer #1 · answered by john f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the noble gases have completely filled outer shells. We know calcium has atomic number of 20, whereas argon has atomic number of 18. All atoms have neutral charge, which means the number of electrons will match the atomic number. Argon's 18 electrons are all in completely filled shells and orbitals. Calcium has two valence electrons, both in the 4s orbital. This gives a rough guide to size and energy of electrons in the orbital as well as the geometry of the orbital. It also tells us something about how calcium will chemically react with other species of elements and molecules. Specifying the calcium electron configuration as [Ar] 4s2 draws our attention to the valence electrons, which in chemistry are typically the ones of greatest interest. Enjoy :)
2016-05-23 01:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reactivity of an element depends on the number of electrons in the outermost orbital of the atom. If number is less than 8, it accepts or donates electrons so that it completes the outer orbital. Noble gases have completed outer orbitals hence they are nonreactive.
2006-10-31 23:48:55 · answer #3 · answered by chiman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they belong to the Group VIII which means, they already have 8 electrons in the outer shell. So they don't want to share or make bonds with other atoms. They prefer to stay stable as 8 electron configuration is the most stable for any atomic structure. That's why they don't react with any compund and stay inactive. Hope this helps
2006-10-31 23:00:52 · answer #4 · answered by Erosh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they have an octet structure with full number of electrons in the outer shell (Eg. 2 electrons for He or 8 valance electrons for Neon.)
2006-10-31 23:52:10 · answer #5 · answered by ispakles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because their electronic valence layer is full; they do not want to give or to take any electrons.
Now, if you paid attention in that science class instead of browsing the net, that could help you some more.
2006-10-31 22:50:54 · answer #6 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the noble gases have fully filled electronic configuration and they are already stable....so they do not involve in chemical reactions which help in stabilising them....
2006-11-01 02:18:58 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HI FRIEND!!! IT IS BECAUSE TH OUTER MOST ORBIT HAS FULLY FILLED WITH ELECTRON AND THEREFORE IT IS UN REACTIVE EXCEPT Xe(XENON) ALL ARE UNREACTIVE!
2006-11-01 00:24:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
coz they dont contain any free electron to react
2006-10-31 23:30:42 · answer #9 · answered by monikaa_das d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I agree with that guy. Get on with your work Scott!
2006-10-31 22:54:44 · answer #10 · answered by Nicola S 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋