Question

An inert gas is a gas that is:
A) Highly reactive
B) Non-reactive
C) Both a and b
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The gas is called inert which means the atoms or molecules of the particular gas do not combine with the other atoms or molecules. We can also say that inert means not interacting with other molecules.

Complete step by step answer:
The atoms or molecules react with the transfer of an electron to form a compound.
Elements can donate or accept the electrons because they have partially filled valence electrons and hence unstable. So to attain stability they transfer their electrons to form a bond.
But we know in the case of the noble gas the valence shell is completely filled and hence stable in its elemental state.
The general electronic configuration of inert of nobles gases are:
\[n{s^2}n{p^6}\]
As the noble gas is already stable they do not undergo reaction. Hence, Noble gases are non-reactive in nature.

Therefore, we can conclude that the correct answer to this question is Option B.

Additional Information:
From the modern periodic table that the group 18 elements include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon, they are referred to as noble gases or inert gases.
We also know that due to the non-reactive properties of inert gases they are often useful to prevent an undesirable chemical reaction. It is an interesting fact that the food is packed in an inert gas to remove oxygen gas and prevents bacteria from growing inside the food.

Note:
The valence shell of inert gases is filled and hence they can’t be highly reactive in nature. Any substance whose valence electrons are partially filled are highly reactive in nature to attain stability.