answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The reactivity of an element depends on how easy it can gain to to lose electrons in its outer most shell (which results in a reaction).

In metals, the reactivity increases down the group. This is because as we move down the groups of metals, there are more shells of electrons, which results in the increased distance between the nucleus (which has the protons) and the valence electrons. The increased distance means that the protons can only exert a weaker attractive force on the valence electrons, which ultimately makes it easier for the atom of the element to lose electrons to form ions in order to react because less energy is now required to overcome the force acting on the valence electron.

In non-metals, reactivity decreases down the group. Using the same principle as above, we know that as we go down the group, the element gains more shells and electrons are held by a weaker attractive force to the protons. As we know, non-metals usually form negatively charged ions. As such, they need to attract electrons in a reaction. As a result of the protons decreased strength of attraction to the valence electrons as we progress down the group, elements generally are less capable of reacting down a group of non-metals because it is less likely for elements down the group to form ions.

In metals, reactivity decreases across the group. Across the group, the number of shielding electrons (total electron number minus the valence electrons) remains the same but the number of protons increases. This causes an increase in effective nuclear charge. An increase in the effective nuclear charge means that the protons will be exert a greater force on the electrons, which means that it would be harder for the valence electrons to be liberated. Hence, metals are less capable of forming ions across the group.

Using the same idea, non-metals will definitely be more reactive across the group. With the higher effective nuclear charge, they will possess more electrostatic attractive power to hold the electrons together. Hence, it is easier for them to attract and hold on to an electron to become an ion.

Do note that Group 0 (a.k.a Group VIII) consist of noble gases, which generally do not react. They are inert gases. They do not tend to react because they have achieved octet structure (8 electrons) in their valence shell, with the exception of helium. However, some of these elements do go through reactions in extreme conditions (e.g. argon).

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

βˆ™ 6mo ago

The reactivities of an element refer to how likely it is to undergo chemical reactions with other substances. Elements with high reactivity readily form compounds with other elements, while elements with low reactivity are less likely to react with other substances. Reactivity is influenced by factors such as the number of valence electrons and atomic structure of the element.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

Chemical properties

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 11y ago

boron

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What are the reactivities of an element?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences
Related questions

Which element has properties and reactivities most similar to sulfur?

Selenium has properties and reactivities most similar to sulfur as they are in the same group on the periodic table (group 16). They both exhibit similar chemical behaviors and can form compounds with similar structures.


Do calcium and barium have the same reactivities?

No, they do not.


How do you know the chemical reactivities of elements?

The farther the valence electron are from the nucleus, the more easily they can be lost therefore the more reactive the element is. i.e potassium would be more reactive than sodium (check their valence electrons)


What has the author Philip Cadman written?

Philip Cadman has written: 'Studies in chemical reactivities'


Which element would have properties most like Ca(calcium)?

Mg (magnesium)


Two components that every battery must have?

Two substances with vastly different reactivities and an electrolyte.


Does sodium and chlorine have similar or different reactivities?

Sodium and chlorine have very different reactivities. Sodium is a highly reactive metal, while chlorine is a highly reactive nonmetal. When combined, they form sodium chloride, a stable compound commonly known as table salt.


What has the author Roy Ensor written?

Roy Ensor has written: 'Radical reactivities in the telomerisation of methyl methacrylate'


Which element would have properties most like Ca?

Mg (magnesium)


Why fluorine and chlorine have similar reactivities?

Fluorine and chlorine have similar reactivities because they belong to the same group on the periodic table, known as the halogens. Both elements have seven electrons in their outer shell, making them highly reactive as they seek to gain one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. This similarity in electronic structure results in similar chemical behaviors and reactivities.


Do calcium and barium have the same or different reactivities?

Barium is more reactive than calcium due to its lower ionization energy and larger atomic size, allowing it to easily lose electrons and react with other substances. The reactivity of an element depends on its position in the periodic table and its atomic structure.


Does sodium and chlorine have the same or different reactivities?

Sodium and chlorine have different reactivities. Sodium is a highly reactive metal that readily forms compounds with other elements, while chlorine is a highly reactive nonmetal that easily reacts with other elements to form compounds like sodium chloride (table salt).