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The noble gases are the elements in group 18 (also sometimes Group 0 IUPAC Style, or Group 18) of the periodic table. It is also called helium family or neon family. Chemically, they are very stable due to having the maximum number of valence electrons their outer shell can hold. A thorough explanation requires an understanding of electronic configuration, with references to quantum mechanics. Noble gases rarely react with other elements since they are already stable. Under normal conditions, they occur as odorless, colorless, monatomic gases. Noble gases have numerous important applications in lighting, welding and space technology.