Elements in group 18 of the periodic table, also known as the noble gases, share several key properties:
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Inertness: Noble gases are largely unreactive due to their full valence electron shells, which makes them stable and unlikely to form chemical bonds with other elements.
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Monatomic Nature: They exist as single atoms (monatomic) rather than as diatomic or polyatomic molecules under standard conditions.
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Colorlessness and Odorlessness: Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and tasteless in their natural state.
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Low Chemical Reactivity: While they can form compounds under specific conditions (such as with fluorine or during electrical discharge), they generally have very low reactivity.
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Low Boiling and Melting Points: They have low boiling and melting points relative to other substances.
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Nonflammability: Noble gases do not support combustion.
These properties make noble gases unique among the elements in the periodic table. Examples of noble gases include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).