Family 8: the Noble Gases

The octet rule states that atoms tend to form compounds in ways that give them eight valence electrons and thus the electron configuration of a noble gas

Noble Gases have 8 valence electrons naturally and are completely inert with a few exceptions

An exception to the octet rule, it closes the 1s2 block.

Lighter than air

Can be used with oxygen for deep sea divers to avoid the "bends"

Emits a pale yellow light

Comes from the Greek word meaning "new"

Neon is often used in signs and produces an unmistakable bright reddish-orange light.

Neon is relatively expensive; Driving neon's expense is the rarity of neon, which, unlike helium, can only be obtained from air.

Argon emits blue light

Provides a stable and inert environments

Also used to increase the life of incandescent light bulbs in the layers of insulation of the glass

Krypton is used commercially as a filling gas for energy-saving fluorescent lights.

It is also used in some flash lamps used for high-speed photography. 

Unlike the lighter gases in its group, it is reactive enough to form some chemical compounds.

Emits a blue light/glow

Xenon lamps have applications as high-speed electronic flash bulbs used by photographers

Also used as sun-bed lamps and bactericidal lamps used in food preparation and processing

Radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.

It is odorless and comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe from under your house

Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.

Since only a few atoms of oganesson have ever been produced, it currently has no uses outside of basic scientific research.

Oganesson is harmful due to its radioactivity. Characteristics: Oganesson is a synthetic radioactive metal and has only been produced in minute amounts.

First synthesized in 2002