How do I figure out the number of shells in noble gas items?

[LoveKnowledge]

I am confused? Do I look at somewhere on the periodic table? For example for the noble gas items argon, radon, helium, and neon?

 

[LoveKnowledge]

I hope that I posted this in the right section as well..

 

[mathman]

If you look at the periodic table, then the number of completed shells corresponds to the order as you go down the list. Helium - 1, Neon - 2, Argon - 3, etc.

 

[JDługosz]

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration" . The first illustration shows what you are interested in. Note the specific elements you want are along the right edge.

 

[pmacias]

To figure out the number of shells in noble gas items, you can look at the atomic structure of the elements on the periodic table. Noble gases have a full outer shell of electrons, which makes them stable and unreactive. This means that they have the maximum number of electrons in their outermost energy level or shell. For example, argon has 8 electrons in its outermost shell, so it has 8 shells in total. Helium has 2 electrons in its outermost shell, so it has 2 shells in total. Radon and neon also have 8 electrons in their outermost shells, so they also have 8 shells in total. Therefore, for noble gases, the number of shells is equal to the number of electrons in their outermost shell. I hope this helps to clear up any confusion.