Metals and non-metals in the periodic table
4 marks · NormalThis question is about the inertness of noble gases and group similarities.
State the number of electrons in the outer shell for neon and argon.
Explain why these elements have very similar chemical properties.
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(a) Neon: 8; Argon: 8
(b) They both have full outer shells of electrons, making them very stable and chemically unreactive.
Common mistakes: Assuming the group number gives outer electrons for noble gases
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 2 marks · States neon and argon both have 8 outer-shell electrons
M1 (b) · 1 mark · Identifies full outer shells for both elements
A1 (b) · 1 mark · Links the full shell to chemical stability or inertness
Worked solution
a) Neon: 8 electrons; Argon: 8 electrons in the outer shell.
b) Both have a full outer shell of electrons, making them very stable and chemically unreactive.