The Periodic Table: Group 0 - Noble Gases
The Periodic Table: Group 0 - Noble Gases
- Group 0 of the Periodic Table is also known as the Noble Gases. These include Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn).
- Noble gases are the final column on the Periodic Table and have full outer shells of electrons. This makes them very stable and unreactive.
- Due to their full electron shells, noble gases do not easily form compounds. They exist as single atoms, making them monatomic.
- Noble gases have low boiling and melting points, which increase with the size of the atom. This makes all of them gases at room temperature.
- Each noble gas emits a different coloured light when it is electronically charged. This property makes them useful in neon lights and other light technologies.
- The density of noble gases also increases going down the group. This is due to an increase in the size and mass of the atoms.
- Noble gases have very low rates of chemical reactivity due to their complete electron shells. This property makes them useful in environments where chemical reactions are unwanted.
- As noble gases are so unreactive, they are often used in situations where reactions are undesirable, such as the bulbs of filament lamps. The gas prevents the filament from burning out.
- Being inert, some noble gases are used to protect materials of historical importance. For example, Argon is used in the preservation of the US Declaration of Independence.
- Radon, however, is a radioactive noble gas. It releases radioactive particles as it decays, which can be hazardous to health if breathed in.