Can every atom be transformed into a noble gas?

  • #1
CGandC
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Is noble gas defined as an atom that can be brought to have a valence shell completely filled with electrons? ( even if the atom, as we are observing it now doesn't have its valence shell completely filled? )
'noble gas' is defined as an atom with its valence shell completely filled to its capacity with electrons.

Assuming I take an arbitrary atom ( with its valence shell not necessarily completely filled yet ) and assuming I am either adding electrons to it or removing electrons from it or doing nothing, and assuming it is possible to reach some state in which the atom has a highest energy level ( out of all occupied shells ) completely filled with electrons to its fullest capacity - is such an atom defined as a noble gas?

If yes, can every atom be made into a noble gas ( at-least for a short period of time )? ( i.e. an atom that can be reached into a configuration in which some shell will be a valence shell and will be completely filled with electrons )
 
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  • #2
You are mixing two things. Noble gas is an element with a completely filled valence shell. Yes, you can reach the noble gas configuration for most atoms. It won't make them other element they already are (what is the basic property shared by all atoms of any given element?).
 
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Noble gases, as identified in the Periodic Table etc., are considered to be in their ground state. On the other hand, the definition is of some historical value, for we know now that some of the so-called noble gases can participate in chemical compounds; for instance, xenon.
 
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Thanks for the answers, it cleared up what I've wanted to know :)
 

1. Can every atom be transformed into a noble gas?

No, not every atom can be transformed into a noble gas. Noble gases are elements with very specific properties, including a complete valence electron shell, which makes them chemically inert under normal conditions. Other elements cannot be transformed into noble gases because they have different numbers of protons in their nuclei, fundamentally defining their chemical identity.

2. What are noble gases?

Noble gases are a group of chemical elements with similar properties; under standard conditions, they are odorless, colorless, monatomic gases with very low chemical reactivity. The six naturally occurring noble gases are helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. They are located in Group 18 (VIIIA) of the periodic table.

3. Why are noble gases chemically inert?

Noble gases are chemically inert because they have complete outer electron shells, which means they do not need to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve stability. This full valence shell makes them very stable and unreactive compared to other elements that seek to fill or empty their outer electron shells.

4. Is it possible to change the number of protons in an atom to make it a noble gas?

Changing the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, a process known as nuclear transmutation, can theoretically change one element into another. However, this process is complex, requires enormous amounts of energy, and is not a practical method for transforming common elements into noble gases. Nuclear transmutation typically occurs in nuclear reactors or during nuclear reactions and is not a feasible method for elemental transformation for commercial purposes.

5. Can atoms mimic the properties of noble gases?

While atoms cannot be transformed into noble gases, they can sometimes mimic the properties of noble gases through a process known as ionization. By gaining or losing electrons, an atom can achieve a noble gas electron configuration, becoming more stable. This is often seen in ionic compounds, where elements achieve a stable electronic arrangement similar to that of the nearest noble gas.

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