Which element tends not to react with other elements?

• A. Sodium
• B. Oxygen
• C. Chlorine
• D. Neon

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that elements that tend not to react with other elements are called 'noble gases' or 'inert gases' because they have a full outer electron shell, making them very stable.
2. Identify the electron configurations of the given elements: Sodium (Na), Oxygen (O), Chlorine (Cl), and Neon (Ne).
3. Recognize that Sodium, Oxygen, and Chlorine have incomplete outer electron shells, which makes them reactive as they seek to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve stability.
4. Note that Neon has a complete outer electron shell (a full octet), which makes it chemically stable and unlikely to react with other elements.
5. Conclude that Neon is the element that tends not to react with other elements due to its full valence shell and noble gas status.