# Noble gases

The unreactive gases of group 0, such as helium, neon and argon. Their outer shells are full, so they hardly ever form bonds.

Chemistry (school) · Part 02: The periodic table · Card 8 of 9 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

They are like people with a full plate who want no more food.

## In practice

Helium fills balloons safely because it will not burn. Argon fills light bulbs to protect the hot filament.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Why are noble gases unreactive?** They have full outer electron shells.

## Questions people ask

### Why are noble gases called inert?

Inert means they do not take part in chemical reactions. Their outer shells are already full, so they have no need to gain, lose or share electrons. Under normal conditions they exist as single atoms rather than molecules. Helium, neon and argon rarely form compounds.

### What happens to the boiling point of noble gases down the group?

It rises. Helium boils at a very low temperature, around minus 269 degrees Celsius, while argon boils at about minus 186. Larger atoms have stronger forces between them, so more energy is needed to turn the liquid into gas. This trend is the same for all the noble gases.

Web page: https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/chemistry-school/chemistry-school-part-2/chemistry-school-part-2-concept-8
Study this card in the app: https://studyvisually.com/app/learn?category=chemistry-school&card=chemistry-school-part-2-concept-8