What name is given to the elements in group 18 of the periodic table?

The elements in group 18 of the periodic table are called the noble gases.

The group includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon, and the synthetic element oganesson. They occupy the far-right column of the modern periodic table. Helium has two valence electrons, while the other commonly discussed members have filled outer shells with eight electrons.

That electronic structure gives the group its characteristic low chemical reactivity, although “inert gases” is an older and less precise name. Noble gases are generally found as individual atoms rather than molecules under ordinary conditions, and the naturally occurring members are colorless and odorless gases.

Common mix-ups include halogens and alkali metals, which are neighboring chemical families but occupy groups 17 and 1. Noble gases are useful where unwanted reactions must be avoided: helium provides lift, argon shields welding arcs, and neon produces the familiar glow in many signs. Oganesson belongs to group 18, but its chemistry remains difficult to study because it is made artificially and decays rapidly.