An Introduction to Noble Gases
Elements in this group have a special electron configuration.
Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon and Radon make up the noble gases. Chemically unreactive, or inert, these gases do not form compounds with other elements naturally.
What Makes the Gases Inert
Of all the elements in the Periodic Table, the six noble gases are the only ones that do not naturally form compounds with other elements. High chemical stability due to stable electron configuration is what sets these elements apart from the others. A stable electron configuration simply means that there are no free electrons in an atom left over to pair up with free electrons from other atoms. An atom’s electron configuration is what makes each atom able or unable to bond. Chemically, the atoms of noble gases are unable to bond with or react to any other atoms. Conversely, the more reactive an element is, the greater the number of free electrons it has in each atom looking to pair up with other electrons.
Monatomic Elements
The noble gases are also referred to as monatomic, meaning they are found as single atoms. For instance, we often hear of the ozone (O3), a polyatomic compound made up of three oxygen atoms floating around together. Familiar hydrogen and nitrogen atoms also float around as pairs (H2 and N2). Atoms of noble gases float around alone (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn).
The noble gases are six out of only eleven elements that are found in a gaseous state under normal atmospheric conditions (defined as 25o C and 1 atm pressure). Noble gases are also colorless and odorless. Since noble gases are nonmetals, they tend to conduct heat and electricity poorly.
Noble Gases are not so Mysterious
Because it so light, helium is commonly used to fill balloons and to mix with oxygen for deep sea diving. Think of the Las Vegas Strip and bright red glowing neon signs come to mind Although, many “neon” signs are actually filled with other gases. The color of the sign depends on what gas is in it. Argon is used in various types of lighting such as black lights, UV light, and even everyday incandescent bulbs. Certain welding types require argon, as well. Krypton has uses in photography and lighting, including “neon” signs. Xenon is used most commonly in strobe lighting. NASA also used xenon in it’s Deep Space 1 mission. Radon is radioactive. Radon can be present in homes and poses a health hazard if levels are high. Unfortunately, it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless making detection difficult. A positive use of radon is in combating cancer.
Forced Compounds
As previously stated, noble gases do not naturally form compounds. In laboratories, noble gases have reacted with other elements to form compounds. This astonishing discovery was first uncovered by Neil Bartlett. Interestingly, many students today are unaware of this research. Someday, noble gases may have to be redefined.
