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The family of element which is least reactive is:
(A) Alkali metal
(B) Alkaline earth metal
(C) Noble gases
(D) Halogens
(E) Transition metals

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Last updated date: 28th Mar 2024
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MVSAT 2024
Answer
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Hint: The elements of a particular family possess the same kind of physical and chemical properties so they pose a general electronic configuration too. The family of elements which has a completely filled orbital must be the least reactive.

Complete step by step answer:
Reactivity can be defined as the capacity of a constituent particle such an element, atom or a molecule to undergo a chemical with other constituent particles. The valence electrons in the outermost shell determine the reactivity of an element that is tendency atoms to either lose or gain electrons.
Let us explain option wise for better understanding.

Option A is Alkali metals. The general electronic configuration of alkali metals is $n{s^1}$ where n is the n is the principal quantum number. Since alkali metals have only one electron in its outermost shell which it readily loses. The ease with which an element loses or gains electrons attributes to the reactivity of the element. Thus alkali metals are highly reactive.

Option B is alkaline earth metal which is also reactive but lesser than that of alkali metals. The general configuration of alkaline earth metals is $n{s^2}$. Like alkali metals, it also readily loses the electron in the outermost shell. Losing one electron is easier than losing two electrons therefore alkaline earth metals are also reactive but less than that of alkaline metals.

Option C is noble gas. The general electronic configuration of the noble gas group is $n{s^2}n{p^6}$. Except helium whose electronic configuration is $1{s^2}$ all the elements in group 18 possess above mentioned general electronic configuration. From the electronic configuration, it is evident that it has completely filled the orbital so there is no go for losing or gaining electrons as it is already stable. Even noble gases can form compounds, but only in certain temperatures in which it will be in liquid state. Thus noble gases are least reactive.

Option D is halogen. Its general electronic configuration is $n{s^2}n{p^5}$ . It has more tendency to gain electrons and fully fill its octet. It is highly reactive non-metal.
Option E is transition metals are metals that belong to d-block. It is less reactive than group 1 and 2 but is more reactive than noble gases. It is less reactive because of its high ionization potential.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: Moving across the period in the periodic table the reactivity property of elements decreases, so reactivity of alkali metals are highest, followed by alkaline earth metal, then comes transitional elements, followed by halogens and then by noble gas.
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