Question

Chemistry A A scientist studying a new element finds that the element does not react with any known substance. The element most likely belongs in what group?

Answer 1

Group `8` or group `18` (it's the same thing).

Explanation:

The unreactive elements on the periodic table are the noble gases, and the reason for that is because they usually have octet shells, hence their unreactivity.

On the periodic table, noble gases are the last group, which is `8` or `18`, depending if you count the transition metals or not. Have a look here:

There are few known noble gas compounds, such as xenon and krypton compounds.

So, the new element would probably belong to the noble gas group.