Group 0 - Noble Gases

Question 1

What are the ‘noble gases’?

Answer 1

Question 2

Describe the properties of the noble gases.

Answer 2

• They are colourless gases at room temperature
• They are chemically inert
• They are non-flammable

Question 3

Explain why the noble gases are inert.

Answer 3

• They have a full outer shell of electrons
• Therefore, they don’t easily give up or gain electrons

Question 4

Give some examples of how the noble gases are used and explain why.

Answer 4

• Argon, krypton and xenon are used in flash photography because they are non-flammable, so they stop the flash filament from burning
• Argon and helium can be used to protect metals that are being welded because their inert atmospheres stop the hot metal from reacting with oxygen
• Helium is used in balloons because it has a lower density than air, so it makes them float

Question 5

(Exam-style question)

Answer 5

• Argon has a full outer shell of electrons, giving it a stable electronic structure
• It won’t easily give up or gain electrons, making it inert
• This means that it won’t react with the metal filament in the light bulb

Question 6

Describe the things that change about the noble gases as you go down group 0.

Answer 6

• Melting and boiling points increase
• Density increases

Question 7

(Exam-style question)

Answer 7