The stability of the noble gases is due to the fact that they

Correct Answer: Have duplet or octet configurations

Explanation:

• Noble gases such as helium, neon, and argon are very stable and chemically inert.
• This stability comes from their completely filled outer electron shells.
• Helium has a duplet configuration (1s²), while the others (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn) have octet configurations in their valence shells.
• Because their outer shells are full, they do not need to gain, lose, or share electrons, making them chemically unreactive.

Thus, the stability of noble gases is due to their duplet or octet configurations.