Why are elements of group 0 chemically inert?

Elements of group 0 are called noble gases. These elements have stable arrangements of electrons in their outermost shell. The chemical reactivity of a group highly depends on the number of electrons in the outermost shell. A stable element generally has 8 electrons in their outermost shell with some exceptions of elements with higher atomic masses and helium. If the element has less than 8 and greater than 4 electrons in their outermost shell of the valence shell it will undergo a chemical reaction to gain some electrons from a different element whereas if it has less than four electrons in the valence shell it tends to lose them all in order to gain a stable state. 

However, in case of noble gases or group 0 elements the outermost shell contains 8 electrons (2 in case of Helium) which is a stable state configuration. Hence, they are chemically unreactive or inert.  

SS
Answered by Swapnil S. Chemistry tutor

31770 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does the temperature decrease in the endothermic reaction?


Explain how we can increase the rate of a chemical reaction.(6 marks)


Name three types of chemical bonding in atoms.


A sample of the ore haematite contains 70% iron oxide. Calculate the amount of iron oxide in 2000 tonnes of haematite.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning