Group 0 elements
group 0The vertical column of non-metal elements on the far right of the periodic table, also called the noble gases. contains non-metalElement that is a poor conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms acidic oxides. elementA substance made of one type of atom only. placed in the vertical column on the far right of the periodic tableA tabular representation of all known elements in order based on atomic number, eg all the noble gases are found on the right of the periodic table.. The elements in group 0 are called the noble gasesThe elements in group 0 of the periodic table, named for their lack of chemical reactivity.. They exist as single atomThe smallest part of an element that can exist..
Trends in physical properties
Melting and boiling point
The forces of attraction between single atoms is very weak so the noble gases all have low melting pointThe temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid as it is heated. and boiling pointThe temperature at which a pure sample of a liquid all changes into a gas.. Melting and boiling points increase going down the group, as the atoms get larger.
The group 0 elements are in the gas state at room temperature and pressure. This is because their boiling points are below room temperature.
Question
Radon is situated below xenon in group 0. Predict the likely boiling point of radon.
The actual boiling point of radon is -61.7掳C. An estimate would lie mid-way between -100掳C and -50掳C based on the shape of the graph.
Density
The densityA measure of compactness and the ratio of mass to volume. It is usually measured in kilograms per metre cubed (kg/m3) or grams per centimetre cubed (g/cm3). of a substance is its massThe amount of matter an object contains. Mass is measured in kilograms (kg) or grams (g). per unit volumeThe volume of a three-dimensional shape is a measure of the amount of space or capacity it occupies, eg an average can of fizzy drink has a volume of 330 ml.. For example, a small piece of a substance with a high mass has a high density.
The particleA general term for a small piece of matter. For example, protons, neutrons, electrons, atoms, ions or molecules. in gases are widely spaced, so the noble gases have low densities. The density increases going down the group because the atoms have greater mass but the gas takes up the same volume.