(a) Why was the term inert gases dropped? (b) What discovery triggered this change in name? (c) What name is applied to the group 18 elements now?

Name: Chemistry: The Central Science
Author: Brown
ISBN: 9780137542970

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the term 'inert gases'. Historically, the noble gases were called 'inert gases' because they were thought to be completely nonreactive due to their full valence electron shells.

Step 2: Explore the discovery that led to the change. In 1962, chemist Neil Bartlett discovered that xenon, a noble gas, could form compounds, specifically xenon hexafluoroplatinate (XePtF6), demonstrating that these gases are not completely inert.

Step 3: Recognize the implications of this discovery. The ability of noble gases to form compounds under certain conditions showed that they are not entirely nonreactive, which led to the reconsideration of the term 'inert'.

Step 4: Identify the new terminology. As a result of these findings, the term 'noble gases' became more widely used, reflecting their general lack of reactivity while acknowledging their ability to form compounds.

Step 5: Confirm the current name for group 18 elements. Today, the elements in group 18 of the periodic table are commonly referred to as 'noble gases'.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Inert Gases vs. Noble Gases

The term 'inert gases' was historically used to describe the elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, which were thought to be completely nonreactive due to their full valence electron shells. However, this term was dropped as it became clear that these gases could participate in chemical reactions under certain conditions, leading to the adoption of the more accurate term 'noble gases.'

Discovery of Chemical Reactivity

The change in terminology from 'inert gases' to 'noble gases' was largely influenced by the discovery that some of these gases, particularly xenon and krypton, could form compounds with highly electronegative elements like fluorine. This revelation demonstrated that even the most stable elements could engage in chemical reactions, challenging the notion of complete inertness.

Group 18 Elements

Group 18 of the periodic table, now referred to as the noble gases, includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. These elements are characterized by their full outer electron shells, which contribute to their low reactivity and unique properties, such as being colorless, odorless, and monatomic under standard conditions.

Recommended video:

Guided course

00:50

Main Group Elements: Density Example

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in each of the following cases: (a) White phorphrous, P₄(s), reacts with chlorine gas. (b) Sodium metal reacts with water. (c) Sulfur reacts with hydrogen gas.

697

views

Textbook Question

Little is known about the properties of astatine, At, because of its rarity and high radioactivity. Nevertheless, it is possible for us to make many predictions about its properties. (c) What is the chemical formula of the compound it forms with Na?

514

views

Textbook Question

Potassium and hydrogen react to form the ionic compound potassium hydride. (b) Use data in Figures 7.10 and 7.12 to determine the energy change in kJ/mol for the following two reactions:

K(g) + H(g) → K⁺(g) + H^-(g)

K(g) + H(g) → K^-(g) + H⁺(g)

1581

views

Textbook Question

Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in each of the following cases: (d) Fluorine reacts with water.

738

views