Chemistry

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Chemistry

Noble Gases

Properties of Element Groups

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

Xenon is one of the noble or inert gases.

Xenon is one of the noble or inert gases.

pslawinski, wikipedia.org
Metals | Nonmetals | Metalloids | Alkali Metals | Alkaline Earths | Transition Metals | Halogens | Noble Gases | Rare Earths | Lanthanides | Actinides

Location on the Periodic Table

The noble gases, also known as the inert gases, are located in Group VIII of the periodic table. Group VIII is sometimes called Group O.

Properties

The noble gases are relatively nonreactive. This is because they have a complete valence shell. They have little tendency to gain or lose electrons. The noble gases have high ionization energies and negligible electronegativities. The noble gases have low boiling points and are all gases at room temperature.

Summary of Common Properties

  • Fairly nonreactive
  • Complete valence shell
  • High ionization energies
  • Very low electronegativities
  • Low boiling points (all gases at room temperature)
Recent Chemistry Features | Chemistry Encyclopedia

Explore Chemistry

About.com Special Features

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

The Business School Lowdown

Everything from choosing a school and applying, to employment after graduation. More >

Chemistry

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Chemistry

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.