Family 8: the Noble Gases

Family 8: the Noble Gases

the Complete Octet

• The octet rule states that atoms tend to form compounds in ways that give them eight valence electrons and thus the electron configuration of a noble gas

• Noble Gases have 8 valence electrons naturally and are completely inert with a few exceptions

Helium

• An exception to the octet rule, it closes the 1s2 block.

• Lighter than air

• Can be used with oxygen for deep sea divers to avoid the "bends"

• Emits a pale yellow light

Neon

• Comes from the Greek word meaning "new"

• Neon is often used in signs and produces an unmistakable bright reddish-orange light.

• Neon is relatively expensive; Driving neon's expense is the rarity of neon, which, unlike helium, can only be obtained from air.

Argon

• Argon emits blue light

• Provides a stable and inert environments

• Also used to increase the life of incandescent light bulbs in the layers of insulation of the glass

Krypton

• Krypton is used commercially as a filling gas for energy-saving fluorescent lights.

• It is also used in some flash lamps used for high-speed photography. 

• Unlike the lighter gases in its group, it is reactive enough to form some chemical compounds.

Xenon

• Emits a blue light/glow

• Xenon lamps have applications as high-speed electronic flash bulbs used by photographers

• Also used as sun-bed lamps and bactericidal lamps used in food preparation and processing

Radon

• Radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.

• It is odorless and comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe from under your house

• Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.

Oganesson

• Since only a few atoms of oganesson have ever been produced, it currently has no uses outside of basic scientific research.

• Oganesson is harmful due to its radioactivity. Characteristics: Oganesson is a synthetic radioactive metal and has only been produced in minute amounts.

• First synthesized in 2002

Multiple Choice

Which of the following has the lowest density?

• Argon

• Krypton

• Xenon

• Helium

• Neon

Multiple Choice

Which noble gas is found in signs or light displays?

• Krypton
• Helium
• Argon
• Neon

Multiple Choice

Name the group that contains inert (nonreactive) elements.

• noble gases
• halogens
• alkali metals
• alkaline earth metals

Multiple Choice

True or false: Noble gases react with water

• True
• False

Multiple Choice

Which of these is not a noble gas?

• Helium
• Argon
• Nitrogen
• Krypton