The noble gases are group 18 of the periodic table and are chemical elements with similar properties. All of the noble gases have a full outer shell. There are six of them and they are Helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. They are the most stable due to having the maximum number of valence electrons their outer shell can hold. Therefore, they rarely react with other elements since they are already stable. Other characteristics of the noble gases are that they all conduct electricity, fluoresce, are odourless and colourless, and are used in many conditions when a stable element is needed to maintain a safe and constant environment. The noble gases were previously referred to as inert gases, but this term is not strictly accurate because several of them do take part in chemical reactions. The noble gases are used to form inert atmospheres, typically for arc welding, to protect specimens, and to deter chemical reactions. The elements are used in lamps, such as neon lights and krypton headlamps, and in lasers. Helium is used in balloons, for deep-sea diving air tanks, and to cool superconducting magnets.

Khyati Khatri

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