Chapter U1.24, Problem 10E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:  The reason for the similar chemical properties of argon, krypton and xenon needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In modern periodic table, elements are arranged in increasing order of atomic number. In a periodic table, 18 groups are present and all the properties of same group elements are the same.

Answer to Problem 10E

There are 18 groups in the modern periodic table. The last group members are known as inert groups or zero group elements. Zero group elements have 8 valence electrons; due to the presence of 8 valence electrons, these elements are inert towards the chemical reactions.

Explanation of Solution

In the modern periodic table, Ar, Kr, and Xe belongs to group 8 and they are present in 3, 4 and 5 period respectively. 3 period have 8 electrons whereas 4 period have 18 and 5 period have 32 electrons. The elements present in same group have the same number of valence shell electrons. These valence shell electrons participate in any chemical reaction. As Ar, Kr, and Xe all these elements are inert group elements having 8 electrons in the outermost shell thus, due to the presence of the same number of valence electrons they have the same chemical properties.