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Groups in the periodic table - AQA SynergyGroup 0

Elements in the same group of the periodic table show trends in physical properties, such as boiling point. They have the same number of electrons in their outer shell, so they are similar in their chemical properties.

Part of Combined ScienceBuilding blocks for understanding

Group 0

contains placed in the vertical column on the far right of the . The elements in group 0 are called the . They exist as single .

Periodic table with Group 0 coloured in red
Figure caption,
Group 0 is on the far right-hand side of the periodic table

The noble gases show trends in their .

Learn more on groups in the periodic table in this podcast.

Boiling points

The noble gases all have low :

  • helium, at the top of group 0, has the lowest boiling point of any element
  • boiling point increases going down the group
Bar chart of the boiling points of elements in Group 0
Figure caption,
The boiling points of group 0 elements

This is because, going down group 0:

  • the atoms become larger
  • the between the atoms become stronger
  • more is needed to overcome these forces

Question

Radon is situated below xenon in group 0. Predict the likely boiling point of radon.

Compared to other , the noble gases are very - they do not take part in chemical reactions.

Explaining the inertness of noble gases

The table shows the of some noble gases. All the noble gases have complete outer shells:

  • helium has only two electrons
  • the other elements have eight electrons in the outer shell
ElementElectronic structure
Helium2
Neon2,8
Argon2,8,8
ElementHelium
Electronic structure2
ElementNeon
Electronic structure2,8
ElementArgon
Electronic structure2,8,8

When elements react, their atoms complete their outer shells by losing, gaining, or sharing . Atoms of group 0 elements already have stable arrangements of electrons. This means that they have no tendency to lose, gain, or share electrons. This is why the noble gases are unreactive. It also explains why atoms of group 0 elements do not share electrons to form molecules.

The arrangement of electrons in the periodic table