[Campbell Biology P.84] According to the text, what is the defining characteristic that exp... | Practice Question

According to the text, what is the defining characteristic that explains the chemical unreactivity of inert elements like Helium, Neon, and Argon?

  • A: They possess only one electron shell.
  • B: They have a full complement of electrons in their valence shell.
  • C: They have more than 8 electrons in their second shell.
  • D: They only contain s orbitals in their outermost shell.

Explanation

The text states: 'An atom with a completed valence shell is unreactive; that is, it will not interact readily with other atoms. At the far right of the periodic table are helium, neon, and argon, the only three elements shown in Figure 2.7 that have full valence shells. These elements are said to be inert, meaning chemically unreactive.'