Why are noble gases called so ?

Noble gases, located in Group 18 of the periodic table, are characterized by their chemical inertness [t3][t8]. This lack of reactivity stems from their electronic configuration; they possess a completely filled valence shell (two electrons for helium and eight for others), which is the most stable state for an atom [c1][t6]. Because they have no tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve stability, they do not readily participate in chemical reactions or form compounds under normal conditions [c5][t4]. Historically, they were called "noble" because their lack of interaction with other elements was likened to the aloofness of nobility [t6]. While heavier noble gases like xenon can form rare compounds with highly electronegative elements like fluorine or oxygen under specific conditions, they remain generally unreactive and exist primarily as monatomic gases [t1][t2].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > 3.3 HOW DO METALS AND NON-METALS REA ALS REACT? > p. 46
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.1 BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND > p. 59
3. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/noble-gas