What are Noble Gases or Inert Gases

What are Noble Gases or Inert Gases

Noble Gases or Inert Gases

The various numbers of Noble gas family are- Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe) and Radon (Rn). This is the only group of the Periodic table, all members of which are gases and chemically inactive under ordinary conditions. On account of this, these are called as inactive gases or inert gases. So, These are now called Noble gases as some compounds of those gases are obtained under certain specific conditions. Noble gases are mono atomic because of no availability of unpaired electrons in their valence shell or closed valence shell.

Important facts about Noble Gases:-

Noble gases have played an important role in the development of various subjects of theoretical chemistry. Such as –

    a)  In the discovery of isotopes.

    b)  Improvement of periodic table by introducing zero group.

    c)  Within the development of electronic theory of valency.

    d)  In establishing the scheme for the arrangement of electrons in various energy shells of atoms.

Noble gases always occur in the free state. The main sources are –

    a)  Air

    b)  Natural Gas contains up to 7% helium.

    c)  Radioactive minerals: only helium.

    d)  Spring Water: dissolved helium, neon and argon.

    e)  Radon: by radioactive decay of Radium.

All the noble gases have stable configuration. They have no tendency either to lose, gain or share electrons with the atoms of other elements.

All noble gases are mono atomic in nature. All have low values of melting and boiling points. The values increase as the atomic number increases. Among the known elements, helium has got the lowest melting and boiling points.

Except helium noble gases can be absorbed by coconut charcoal at suitable temperature. When electric discharge is passed through noble gases at low pressure, the gas starts glowing with a characteristic colour. This property is made use of in glow signs also called neon signs. The colour also depends upon the pressure of the gas.

Uses of Noble Gases:-

Helium:

    a)  Helium is light and non-inflammable, so it is used in filling air-ships and ballons for weather study.

    b) It is used as a cryogenic fluid to provide very low temperature in research work.

    c) It is used as filler in electric transformer.

    d) It is filled in tubes of aeroplane tyres.

Argon:

    a) It is widely used for filling metal filament electric bulbs. Argon increases the life of filament.

    b) It is also used for filling radio-valves, rectifiers and fluorescent bulbs. The neon-argon mixtures are used in advertising signs for various colours.

Neon:

    a) It is used in neon discharge lamps and signs which are used for advertising purposes. If mercury vapours are mixed with neon, a glow of blue or green colour is obtained. Neon lamps are used over telephone tower, helipad and in music beat indicators of deck.

    b) Neon gives different colours  when mixed with mercury in different tube.

    c) Neon lamps are used in botanical gardens to stimulate growth and formation of chlorophyll.

Krypton and Xenon:

These are used in filling incandescent metal filament electric bulbs. These gases are considered superior than argan for this purpose.

 Radon:

    a) It is used in the preparation of ointments, and used in radiotherapy of cancer.

    b) It is also used to detect the defect in steel castings.

    c) It is also used in making photography of internal opaque materials.

What are Noble Gases or Inert Gases – Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are the 6 noble gases?

 Six noble gases are Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe) and Radon (Rn).

2) Why is it called a noble gas?

 These gases are generally don’t react with anything. That’s why it is called as noble gas.

3) What are 3 uses of noble gases?

 Noble gases are used in lamps such as neon lights, used in ballons, and also used for deep-sea diving air tanks.

4) What are the properties of the noble gases?

 Noble gases are odorless and colourless, chemically  inactive and mono atomic in nature.