Which group of elements on the periodic table is known for not reacting (or reacting only very rarely) with other elements under normal conditions?

• A. Alkali metals (Group 1)
• B. Noble gases (Group 18)
• C. Alkaline earth metals (Group 2)
• D. Halogens (Group 17)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking about the group of elements that are chemically inert or very unreactive under normal conditions.
2. Recall that the periodic table is organized into groups (columns) where elements share similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons.
3. Recognize that Alkali metals (Group 1) and Alkaline earth metals (Group 2) are highly reactive metals because they tend to lose electrons easily to form positive ions.
4. Know that Halogens (Group 17) are very reactive nonmetals because they tend to gain one electron to complete their valence shell.
5. Identify that Noble gases (Group 18) have a full valence electron shell, making them very stable and unreactive under normal conditions, which is why they rarely form compounds.