So that way I wont be accountable for plagiarizing

1. Explain why atoms such as helium, neon, and argon do not react with other atoms.

Atoms such as helium, neon, and argon don’t react with other atoms because, since they’re Noble Gases, their outer electron shells are full. It's all about the electron configuration in the outer shell (or valence shell or valence band) of a given atom. When the outer electron shell in an atom is full, the electrons there are pleased with their arrangement and the atom does not want to either loan out or borrow electrons.

2. How can fishing spiders (Figure 2.17) and other insects such as water striders walk on water?

Fishing spiders and other insects such as water striders do so by taking advantage of surface tension. Water molecules are more attracted to one another than they are to molecules in the air. This molecular pull makes the surface of water act like a sheet of rubber. When a spider sets a leg on the water, a dimplelike depression forms around it, and the water pushes back up to regain a smooth surface. In addition, the spiders' legs have a waxy coating that repels water. Their legs are also long, a helpful attribute. Because surface tension pushes on the edges of objects sitting on water, long legs--with their long edges--mean more surface tension.