Question

Which statement best explains why radon and krypton do not bond easily with other elements?

a.They have many electron shells, so their protons do not attract electrons strongly.
b.They have eight electrons in their valence shells, so they are stable without gaining or losing electrons.
c.Their valence shells are empty, so they do not need to bond with other elements to be more stable.
d.Their valence shells are so close to the protons in the nucleus that bonding cannot happen like in other elements.

Answer 1

b. They have eight electrons in their valence shells, so they are stable without gaining or losing electrons.

Explanation: Krypton and radon are noble gases with filled outer (valence) shells, so they already have a stable electron configuration and have little tendency to form bonds. (Under extreme conditions some noble-gas compounds can be made, but they are generally inert.)