
Which of the following is an inert gas.
A. \[{{\rm{H}}_2}\]
B. \[{{\rm{O}}_2}\]
C. \[{{\rm{N}}_2}\]
D. Argon
Answer
161.1k+ views
Hint: The elements present in the periodic table which have no ability to gain or lose electrons from their valence shell are said to be chemically Inert. They have a complete valence shell. These elements are in gaseous forms therefore called as inert gases.
Complete Step by Step Answer:
In the periodic table there are a total of 18 groups and 7 periods in which various elements are arranged according to their increasing atomic numbers. The elements with the same valence shell electronic configuration are present in the same group and exhibit similar properties.
In group 18 of periodic table, the general valence shell electronic configuration of element is \[{\rm{n}}{{\rm{s}}^2}{\rm{n}}{{\rm{p}}^6}\]. The outer valence shell of group 18 elements is complete. Due to their complete valence shell these elements have no ability to gain or lose electrons. These elements are chemically unreactive. They have no ability to form many compounds. Group 18 elements are gases and chemically inert in nature. Therefore, they are called inert gases.
Various elements present in Group 18 are as follows: 1) Helium (He), 2) Neon (Ne), 3) Argon (Ar), 4) Krypton (Kr), 5) Xenon (Xe) and 6) Radon (Rn). All of these have complete valence shells and are inert gases.
Inert gases have high ionisation enthalpy due to the energy required to remove electrons from the valence shell is very high. Also, the group 18 elements have zero affinity to gain new electrons in its valence shell. Due to their complete valence shell, Group 18 is also called Zero group elements or noble gases.
So, option D is correct
Additional Information: The group 18 elements have small atomic radii which increases down the group due to the addition of new shells. Due to increase in size along the group, the ionisation enthalpy increases down the group.
Note: \[{{\rm{H}}_2}\], \[{{\rm{N}}_2}\] and \[{{\rm{O}}_2}\] are also gases but belongs to group 1, 15 and 16. Their outer electronic configuration is incomplete and not inert in nature. These have the ability to interact with other elements.
Complete Step by Step Answer:
In the periodic table there are a total of 18 groups and 7 periods in which various elements are arranged according to their increasing atomic numbers. The elements with the same valence shell electronic configuration are present in the same group and exhibit similar properties.
In group 18 of periodic table, the general valence shell electronic configuration of element is \[{\rm{n}}{{\rm{s}}^2}{\rm{n}}{{\rm{p}}^6}\]. The outer valence shell of group 18 elements is complete. Due to their complete valence shell these elements have no ability to gain or lose electrons. These elements are chemically unreactive. They have no ability to form many compounds. Group 18 elements are gases and chemically inert in nature. Therefore, they are called inert gases.
Various elements present in Group 18 are as follows: 1) Helium (He), 2) Neon (Ne), 3) Argon (Ar), 4) Krypton (Kr), 5) Xenon (Xe) and 6) Radon (Rn). All of these have complete valence shells and are inert gases.
Inert gases have high ionisation enthalpy due to the energy required to remove electrons from the valence shell is very high. Also, the group 18 elements have zero affinity to gain new electrons in its valence shell. Due to their complete valence shell, Group 18 is also called Zero group elements or noble gases.
So, option D is correct
Additional Information: The group 18 elements have small atomic radii which increases down the group due to the addition of new shells. Due to increase in size along the group, the ionisation enthalpy increases down the group.
Note: \[{{\rm{H}}_2}\], \[{{\rm{N}}_2}\] and \[{{\rm{O}}_2}\] are also gases but belongs to group 1, 15 and 16. Their outer electronic configuration is incomplete and not inert in nature. These have the ability to interact with other elements.
Recently Updated Pages
JEE Main 2021 July 25 Shift 1 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main 2021 July 22 Shift 2 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main Mock Test Series Class 12 Chemistry for FREE

JEE Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding important Concepts and Tips

JEE Amino Acids and Peptides Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

Chemical Properties of Hydrogen - Important Concepts for JEE Exam Preparation

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2025 Session 2: Application Form (Out), Exam Dates (Released), Eligibility, & More

JEE Main 2025: Derivation of Equation of Trajectory in Physics

Electric Field Due to Uniformly Charged Ring for JEE Main 2025 - Formula and Derivation

Displacement-Time Graph and Velocity-Time Graph for JEE

Degree of Dissociation and Its Formula With Solved Example for JEE

Free Radical Substitution Mechanism of Alkanes for JEE Main 2025

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2025: Understanding Category-wise Qualifying Marks and Previous Year Cut-offs

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 1 Solutions

JEE Advanced 2025: Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria and More

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Electrochemistry

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Solutions Class 12 Notes: CBSE Chemistry Chapter 1
