What is a common characteristic of noble gases?

Noble gases are known for being colorless and odorless, which is a defining characteristic of this group of elements. This lack of color and odor is due to their complete electron configuration, which makes them stable and non-reactive under standard conditions. Noble gases such as helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon do not readily absorb light in the visible spectrum, contributing to their transparent nature. Their odorless quality further indicates their inertness and lack of interaction with other substances in terms of chemical reactions that produce noticeable scents.

While noble gases generally have high boiling points compared to most other gases, especially lighter gases, this is not as defining a feature as being colorless and odorless. Their low reactivity means they do not easily form compounds, and thus they do not demonstrate typical behavior associated with more reactive elements.