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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3pt118

Noble gases have positive electron gain enthalpies because

  1. Athey have the largest atomic radii in their period
  2. Bthey have very low nuclear charge
  3. Cthe incoming electron must enter the next higher shell, as the valence shell is completely filled
  4. Dthey have half-filled valence orbitals

Answer: C

In a noble gas the octet (or ) is complete, so an added electron goes into a new, higher shell where it is poorly attracted and shielded. Energy must be supplied, so the value is positive.
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