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the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell. :)

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13y ago
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6mo ago

The reactivity of an atom arises from its electron configuration. Atoms with incomplete outer electron shells are more reactive as they tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This behavior is driven by the atom's desire to reach a more stable state, typically following the octet rule.

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12y ago

the number of electrons in the outermost shell

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Q: The reactivity of an atom arises from what?
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What determines the stability or reactivity of an atom?

The numbers of protons and neutrons in its nucleus, and the number of electrons in its valence shell. The number of protons and neutrons will affect the element and the isotope number, some isotopes are stable, some are not. Atoms are also more stable with a full outer energy level (octet rule - 8 electrons in the outermost shell).


What determines an element's reactivity?

An element's reactivity is determined by its electron configuration and the ease with which it can gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. Elements with one or a few valence electrons tend to be more reactive as they can easily form bonds. Additionally, the position of the element on the periodic table can also influence its reactivity, with elements in the alkali metals and halogens groups typically being highly reactive.


What best describes the nucleus of an atom?

It’s the most massive part of the atom


Where is the special feature that determines the family name and chemical reactivity of the organic compound it is found?

The special feature that determines the family name and chemical reactivity of an organic compound is its functional group. Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms within the compound that give it unique chemical properties and reactivity. The presence of a particular functional group in an organic compound helps classify it into a specific family and predict its reactions with other chemicals.


A property of matter that describes a substance ability to participate in chemical reactions?

Chemical reactivity is a property of matter that describes how readily a substance can participate in chemical reactions with other substances. It is influenced by factors like the arrangement of atoms and the presence of chemical bonds in a substance. Substances with high chemical reactivity tend to undergo reactions easily, while less reactive substances are more stable and less likely to react.

Related questions

What is the reactivity of an atom determined by?

The reactivity of an atom is determined by the number of electrons in its outer energy level (valence electrons). Atoms with incomplete valence shells tend to be more reactive as they seek to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Electrons in the outermost energy level are involved in chemical reactions.


Chemical reactivity of an atom is determined by?

Electron Configuration


Is an elements reactivity is determined by the number of protons found in an atom of the element?

^.^


Is an elements reactivity determined by the number of protons found in an atom of the element?

^.^


What is the difference between the atomic number and the valence number of an atom?

Describe the reactivity of halogens


Does the electron determine the reactivity of an atom?

The number of electrons an atom has in its outer shell, and how easily those electrons can be gained or lost, determines an atom's reactivity. Electrons play a crucial role in forming chemical bonds, and the availability of electrons in the outer shell influences how likely an atom is to react with other atoms.


Which factors is the most significant when considering the reactivity of an atom?

The most significant factors when considering the reactivity of an atom include the number of valence electrons present, the electronegativity of the atom, and its atomic size. These factors influence how readily an atom will form chemical bonds and participate in reactions.


What are valence shell electrons?

Electrons in the outermost orbitals of an atom. They determine the chemical reactivity of an atom and are the primary electrons that participate in chemical reactions.


What can you tell about an atom that has high electronegativity?

For metals high electronegativity mean low reactivity; for halogens, C, O, N, S, etc. the meaning is high reactivity.


What is responsible for an atoms reactivity?

An atom's reactivity is determined by the number of electrons in its outer shell. Atoms with incomplete outer shells tend to be more reactive as they seek to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration. Factors like electronegativity and electron affinity also play a role in determining an atom's reactivity.


What are valence shells?

Electrons in the outermost orbitals of an atom. They determine the chemical reactivity of an atom and are the primary electrons that participate in chemical reactions.


What is the meaning of central atom?

The central atom in a molecule is the atom that is bonded to multiple other atoms in the molecule, typically forming the core structure. It often determines the shape, polarity, and reactivity of the molecule.