Question

Inert gases are otherwise called zero valent elements.
(A) True
(B) False

Answer 1

Think about which elements in the periodic table are known as inert gases. Inert gases are elements in the periodic table which are not reactive and very stable and therefore, inert. Zero valent is having zero valency. Locate the elements which do not have any valency and then attempt the answer.

Complete step by step solution:
- Inert gases are gases which are inert, that is, they are not reactive and very stable in nature.
- In the periodic table, the last group in the periodic table is known as inert gas elements or noble gas elements.
- The last group in the periodic table has the elements helium, argon, neon, krypton, xenon and radon.
- All these elements have complete octet configuration. For example, helium has atomic number 2 and only the first shell so its valency is satisfied and thus, helium has zero valency.
- Valency is the tendency of an atom to gain electrons or lose electrons in order to complete the octet and become stable. For example hydrogen has valency 1, fluorine has valency of 1, oxygen has valency 2, etc.
- Other inert gas elements have complete octet configuration and are highly stable in monatomic form and therefore, they have zero valency.
- Therefore, inert gases are otherwise called as zero valent elements.

- Therefore, the statement is true and the answer is option (A).

Note: Only zero valent elements in the periodic table are inert gas elements. They are also known as noble gas elements. They have completely filled shells. Only exception in inert gases is xenon as it is the only element capable of forming fluorides and oxides.