Question

The elements of group 18 should rightly be called as noble gases instead of inert gases. Comment on the statement and explain.

Answer 1

1. Noble gases have very stable closed shell electronic configurations (completely filled valence shells), making them chemically less reactive, not absolutely inert.
2. They were earlier called inert gases, as they do not react under ordinary conditions, but later, compounds of noble gases were discovered, showing their ability to react chemically.
3. The term noble gases emphasises their noble-like resistance to reaction but does not imply complete inactivity.

Thus, the name noble gases is more accurate and preferred than inert gases to describe group 18 elements.