Final answer:
Noble gases like helium, neon, and argon are chemically inert and occur in nature in low concentrations, mainly in the atmosphere. They can form unstable compounds only under high pressure and temperature, and the heavier noble gases can react with fluorine to form fluorides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The noble gases, which include elements like helium, neon, argon, and others, are known for their chemical inactivity due to their filled outer subshell. The stability of this electron configuration is highlighted by their full octet and lack of charge, making them reluctant to participate in chemical reactions that would alter this stable state. Unlike other elements that strive to gain, lose, or share electrons to attain a noble gas configuration, noble gases occur in free nature mainly in the atmosphere, where they are found in low concentrations. They are often used in applications that require inert conditions, such as in neon signs or as coolants.
While generally nonreactive, under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature, the noble gases can be coerced into forming compounds, but these tend to be unstable. The heaviest of the noble gases, such as xenon, are known to react with fluorine to form fluorides. These compounds, especially various xenon fluorides, have been used as precursors to create other rare noble gas compounds.