Which family on the periodic table is considered the least reactive?

• A. Alkali metals
• B. Halogens
• C. Alkaline earth metals
• D. Noble gases

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that reactivity in the periodic table varies by group due to electron configurations and tendencies to gain, lose, or share electrons.
2. Recall that alkali metals (Group 1) are highly reactive because they have one electron in their outer shell that they readily lose.
3. Recognize that halogens (Group 17) are also very reactive as they need one electron to complete their outer shell and often gain electrons easily.
4. Note that alkaline earth metals (Group 2) are reactive, though less so than alkali metals, because they have two electrons in their outer shell that they tend to lose.
5. Identify that noble gases (Group 18) are the least reactive family because they have a full outer electron shell, making them very stable and unlikely to react under normal conditions.