IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · The Periodic Table

Noble gases: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Noble gases questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of The Periodic Table. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Noble gases practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Why are the noble gases unreactive?

  1. A Their atoms have eight electrons in total.
  2. B Their atoms have a full outer shell of electrons.
  3. C They exist as diatomic molecules.
  4. D They have the highest relative atomic masses in each period.
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Why are the noble gases unreactive?

  1. A They have full outer electron shells.
  2. B They have no neutrons.
  3. C They have no electrons.
  4. D They are metals.
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes noble gases?

  1. A A vertical column of the Periodic Table; its elements have the same number of outer-shell electrons
  2. B The Group VIII elements, unreactive monatomic gases with full outer shells
  3. C The Group I metals, which react with cold water to form an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen
  4. D Polymerisation in which a small molecule such as water is removed each time two monomers join
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Why are the noble gases unreactive?

  1. A Their atoms have a full outer shell of electrons.
  2. B They have the highest relative atomic masses in each period.
  3. C They exist as diatomic molecules.
  4. D Their atoms have eight electrons in total.
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 5Structured · 4 marks

Helium, neon and argon are noble gases.

(a)

Explain why the noble gases are unreactive.

[1]
(b)

Give one use of argon and explain why it is suitable.

[2]
(c)

Describe the trend in boiling point down the group.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)full outer shell
they have a full outer shell of electrons (stable electronic configuration) B1
1
(b)filament lamps; inert
used in filament lamps (or welding) B1
it is unreactive so the filament does not burn B1
2
(c)increases
boiling point increases B1
1
Question 6Structured · 4 marks

The noble gases are found in Group VIII (Group 0).

(a)

Describe the trend in density down the group.

[1]
(b)

Explain why noble gases exist as single atoms.

[1]
(c)

Give a use of helium and explain why it is suitable.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)increases
density increases B1
1
(b)stable full shell, do not bond
they have a full outer shell so they do not form bonds B1
1
(c)balloons; low density and unreactive
balloons/airships B1
low density and unreactive (non-flammable) B1
2

More The Periodic Table questions

Arrangement of elementsGroup IGroup VIITransition elements

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in