The inertness of the noble gases is due to
a. the outermost shell has six electrons.
b. the bonds they form with other elements.
c. the number of protons and neutrons.
d. the outermost shell has an octet of electrons, except for helium which has two electrons.

What is the difference between covalent bonds and ionic bonds? covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the electrical attraction between charged atoms. covalent bonds involve the transfer of electrons between charged atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. covalent bonds involve the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of single electrons between atoms. covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of protons between charged atoms.