Which statement best describes the noble gases?

• A. They are generally unreactive due to having a complete valence electron shell.
• B. They have high chemical reactivity and easily lose electrons.
• C. They readily form compounds with alkali metals.
• D. They are located in Group 2 of the periodic table.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the position of noble gases in the periodic table: they are located in Group 18, not Group 2.
2. Understand the electron configuration of noble gases: they have a complete valence electron shell, which means their outermost energy level is full.
3. Recognize that having a complete valence shell makes atoms stable and less likely to react chemically with other elements.
4. Compare this stability to other groups: elements that easily lose electrons (like alkali metals) are highly reactive, unlike noble gases.
5. Conclude that the best description of noble gases is that they are generally unreactive due to having a complete valence electron shell.