What is Noble Gases? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts
What is Noble Gases?
Noble gases are a group of elements in the periodic table. They are at the far right of the periodic table and form the eighteenth column. The elements of the noble gas family have atoms whose outer shells are filled with electrons. They are also known as inert gases.
What Elements are Noble gases?
The elements that make up the noble gas family include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
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What are the similar properties of Noble Gases?
Noble gases share many similar properties including:
The outermost shell is filled with electrons. Helium has two electrons in its outer shell and others have eight electrons.
Due to their solid outer shell, they are very inert and stable. This means that they do not tend to react with other elements to form compounds.
These are gases at standard conditions.
They are colorless and odorless.
Their melting and boiling points are close together, giving them a very narrow band of liquids.
Abundance
Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen. Helium makes up about 24% of the mass of the elements in the universe. Neon is the fifth most popular and argon is the eleventh.
On Earth, noble gases are quite rare, with the exception of argon. Argon makes up just under 1% of Earth’s atmosphere, making it the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere after nitrogen and oxygen.
Interesting Facts about Noble Gases
Since helium does not catch fire, it is much safer to use in balloons than hydrogen.
Krypton gets its name from the Greek word “kryptos” which means “hidden”.
Many noble gases have been discovered or isolated by Scottish chemist Sir William Ramsay.
Helium has the lowest melting and boiling points of any substance.
All noble gases except radon have stable isotopes.
Neon signs use not only neon gas, but also a mixture of different noble gases and other elements to produce bright lights of various colors.
Noble gases are often used to create a safe or inert atmosphere due to their stable properties.
Xenon takes its name from the Greek word “xenos” which means “stranger or foreigner”.