Question

Which of the following is chemically inert (unreactive)? Select one:

(A) carbon (atomic number 6)
(B) sodium (atomic number 11)
(C) neon (atomic number 10)
(D) oxygen (atomic number 8)

Answer 1

Answer: The chemically inert element is Neon.

Explanation:

Reactivity of an element is defined as the tendency of an element to loose or gain electrons.

Elements are divided into various categories:

• Metals are the elements which loose electrons. They are present on the left side of the periodic table. They are present from Group 1 to Group 14 of the periodic table.
• Non-metals are the elements which gain electrons. They are present on right side of the periodic table. They are present from group 15 to group 17 of the periodic table.
• Noble gases are present in the farthermost right side of the periodic table. They are present in group 18.  They are inert in nature or are unreactive.
• Transition metals are present in the center of the periodic table from group 3 to group 12.
• Rare earth metals are present in group 3 from the left. All the elements present in lanthanides series are considered as rare Earth metals.

For the given options:

Option A: Carbon

Carbon is present in Group 14 and Period 2 of the periodic table. It is a metal.

Option B: Sodium

Sodium is present in Group 1 and Period 3 of the periodic table. It is a metal.

Option C: Neon

Neon is present in Group 18 and Period 2 of the periodic table. It is a noble gas.

Option D: Oxygen

Oxygen is present in Group 16 and Period 2 of the periodic table. It is a non-metal.

Hence, the chemically inert element is Neon.