The elements in the far right column of the periodic table

Chapter , Problem 5

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The elements in the far right column of the periodic table are sometimes called noble gases, both because they are gases under a wide range of conditions and because atoms of these elements almost never react with other atoms to form molecules or ionic compounds. However, atoms of noble gases can react if the resulting molecule is formed in an electronic excited state. An example is ArF. When it is formed in the excited state, it is written ArF* and is called an excimer (for excited dimer). Refer to Figure 37-13 and discuss how a diagram for the electronic, vibrational, and rotation energy levels of ArF and ArF* would look in which the ArF ground state is unstable and the ArF* excited state is stable. (Note: Excimers are used in certain kinds of lasers.)