Question

why are noble gases, such as argon, chemically inert?
○ noble gases have a full inner electron shell.
○ noble gases are extremely unstable.
○ noble gases are positively charged.
○ noble gases have a full outer electron shell.

Explanation:

To determine why noble gases like argon are chemically inert, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Inner electron shells being full is not the reason for inertness; chemical reactivity is related to the outer shell.
• Option 2: Noble gases are stable, not unstable, so this is incorrect.
• Option 3: Noble gases are neutral (not positively charged) as they have equal numbers of protons and electrons.
• Option 4: Chemical inertness in noble gases is due to having a full outer electron shell, which means they have no tendency to gain or lose electrons to form bonds.

Answer:

D. Noble gases have a full outer electron shell. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D in order. If the original options had different labels, adjust accordingly. Here, the last option "Noble gases have a full outer electron shell" is the correct one.)