Group 0 Elements – The Noble Gases

• NOBLE GASES, also known as GROUP 0 elements, are unique due to their COMPLETE OUTER ELECTRON SHELLS.
• This makes them INERT and COLOURLESS at room temperature.

• This group includes Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rn).
• Noble gases do NOT typically react with other elements because their outer electron shells are full, making them STABLE and UNREACTIVE.
• They do NOT form molecules and exist as SINGLE MONATOMIC ATOMS. This is because their full outer shell makes them STABLE.

• They are NON-FLAMMABLE, meaning they do not catch fire, which is a significant safety feature in various applications.

Trends in Noble Gases

• The BOILING POINTS of Noble Gases INCREASE down the group, as RELATIVE ATOMIC MASS INCREASES.
• This rise in boiling points is due to the INCREASING number of ELECTRONS, which increases INTERMOLECULAR FORCES that need to be overcome to change state from liquid to gas.
• By knowing the trend in BOILING POINTS, you can PREDICT the boiling points of some of the Noble Gases.