Metals and non-metals in the periodic table

2 marks · Hard

Give a reason why elements in Group 0 (the noble gases) do not easily form compounds. Your answer should refer to their electronic structure.

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

Show answer

Also accept: They have a full outer shell of electrons, so do not need to gain, lose, or share electrons.; Their outer shell is complete, making them unreactive.

Common mistakes: Saying they have 8 electrons without mentioning full shell; Referring only to being 'noble gases' or 'group 0' without mentioning electronic structure

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · States that their outer shell of electrons is full (complete).

M2 · 1 mark · Links full shell to lack of tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons (unreactive/do not form compounds).

Worked solution

Group 0 elements have a full outer shell of electrons.

This makes them unreactive because they do not need to gain, lose, or share electrons to form compounds.