Which element is a noble gas?

Which element is a noble gas?

• A. Boron
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Oxygen
• D. Neon

Answer: (D)

Noble gases are very stable, unreactive elements with full outer electron shells. Neon fits this description: it’s in the noble gas family and has a complete outer shell (its electron configuration ends with 2p6), which makes it highly unlikely to gain or lose electrons. This full valence shell means Neon doesn’t readily form compounds, unlike Boron (a metalloid that bonds readily), Nitrogen (which has five valence electrons and tends to share to complete its shell), and Oxygen (very reactive and eager to form bonds). Neon is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and is known for emitting a bright glow when energized in tubes. So Neon is the noble gas.

Noble gases are very stable, unreactive elements with full outer electron shells. Neon fits this description: it’s in the noble gas family and has a complete outer shell (its electron configuration ends with 2p6), which makes it highly unlikely to gain or lose electrons. This full valence shell means Neon doesn’t readily form compounds, unlike Boron (a metalloid that bonds readily), Nitrogen (which has five valence electrons and tends to share to complete its shell), and Oxygen (very reactive and eager to form bonds). Neon is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and is known for emitting a bright glow when energized in tubes. So Neon is the noble gas.