Answer: Group 18 (noble gases).
- A Group 18 (noble gases)
- B Group 17 in many documented cases
- C Group 16 according to conventional understanding
- D Group 1 in routine practice
Correct answer: A. Group 18 (noble gases)
Explanation: Group 18 elements are noble (inert) gases with full valence shells and very low reactivity.
Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4) has six electron domains around xenon — four Xe–F bonds plus two lone pairs. The lone pairs occupy opposite axial positions, leaving the four fluorine atoms in a square-planar shape (Xe–F ≈ 194 pm). Image: ChemSim, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
Covers the nitrogen family (Group 15), oxygen family (Group 16), halogens (Group 17), and noble gases (Group 18). One of the highest-weightage inorganic chapters in NEET and JEE - includes preparation and properties of HNO₃, H₂SO₄, interhalogens, and xenon compounds.