3.7 The elements of Group 0
Summary: Look at Figures 1, 2, and 3. What do barcode scanners, helium balloons, and double glazing have in common? Tags: science oxford-science student-book-7 chemistry Created: 2026-05-19 Last Updated: 2026-05-19
After this topic, you will be able to:
- describe the physical properties of the Group 0 Elements
- use data from tables or bar charts to describe patterns in the melting and boiling points of the Group 0 elements
- use patterns to predict properties of the Group 0 elements, and their uses.
Think back
- State whether metals or non-metals have higher boiling points, in general.
- Write the Chemical Symbols of these elements: helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon. Use the Periodic Table to help you.
Key idea The elements in Group 0 of the Periodic Table are non-metals. They are also called noble gases. They have low melting and boiling points, and are unreactive.
Key words Group 0, noble gases, unreactive
Look at Figures 1**,** 2**, and** 3**. What do barcode scanners, helium balloons, and double glazing have in common?**
Figure 1Barcode scanner.
Figure 2Helium balloons.
Figure 3Double glazing.
They all make use of elements in the same group of the Periodic Table, Group 0. Group 0 includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. The elements of Group 0 are also called the noble gases.
Figure 4 shows that Group 0 is on the right of the Periodic Table.
Figure 4Group 0 is on the far right of the Periodic Table.
Are there patterns in Group 0 properties?
The noble gases have low melting and boiling points, like many other non-metals. They are colourless gases at room temperature. Table 1 shows their boiling points. Table 1 The boiling points of the noble gases. Element
Boiling point in °C
helium
–269
neon
–246
argon
–186
krypton
–152
xenon
–108
A Describe the pattern in boiling points of the Group 0 elements.
The noble gases take part in very few Chemical Reactions. Scientists say they are unreactive. From top to bottom of the group, the noble gases get slightly more reactive.
- Helium is at the top of Group 0. As far as we know, it never takes part in chemical reactions.
- Xenon is at the bottom of Group 0. It is very unreactive. However, it does form Compounds with fluorine and oxygen.
B Describe the meaning of unreactive.
Why are the Group 0 elements useful?
The properties of the noble gases make them suitable for their uses. For example, helium has a lower density than air. This is why it is used in helium balloons (see Figure 2).
Figures 5, 6, and 7 show other uses of the noble gases.
Figure 5Argon is a better thermal insulator than air. It is used in the gap between the two sheets of glass in double-glazed windows.
Figure 6The noble gases shine brightly when high-voltage electricity flows through them. This property explains why neon is used in advertising signs.
Figure 7This eye surgeon is using a krypton laser (very focused light) to repair a damaged retina, at the back of the eye.
C Explain why argon gas is used in double-glazed windows.
Where do noble gases come from?
All the noble gases exist in the atmosphere, mixed with other gases. Companies separate them from the air. Helium is also found mixed with natural gas under the ground or under the sea. It is expensive to separate helium from the mixture.
Literacy skills Imagine you work for an advertising agency. Make an advert to explain why the noble gases are important. First, discuss with a partner what to include. Make notes to summarize your ideas. Then create a persuasive advert.
Table 2
- Copy and complete the sentences. The Group 0 elements are metals/non-metals. They are brightly coloured/colourless. They have low/high boiling points, so they are in the solid/liquid/gas state at room temperature. They are very reactive/unreactive.
- Explain why helium is used to fill balloons.
Table 2
- Table 2 shows the melting points of the noble gases. Describe the pattern. Predict the melting point of argon. Table 2Element Boiling point in °C helium –270 neon –249 argon krypton –157 xenon –112