Why are the noble gases the least reactive elements? (1 point)

The noble gases are the least reactive elements due to their full outer electron shells. They have the maximum number of valence electrons, making them stable and less likely to form chemical bonds with other elements. This stability is attributed to their electron configuration, which is already complete and does not require any additional electrons. As a result, noble gases have no affinity to gain or lose electrons, and therefore, they do not readily react with other elements.

The noble gases, also known as Group 18 elements, are the least reactive elements because of their electron configuration. They have a full outermost electron shell, known as the valence shell, which makes them highly stable. The stability is due to the fact that their valence shell is completely filled with electrons, making them unreactive with other elements. This stability prevents them from easily gaining or losing electrons, which is the basis for chemical reactions. Consequently, noble gases have a low tendency to form compounds with other elements, resulting in their classification as the least reactive elements.