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).
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.
No, they do not.
Helium and krypton are different in reactivities. Helium is chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other elements. Krypton, on the other hand, is slightly reactive and can form compounds with more reactive elements under certain conditions.
Elements in the same family (group) on the periodic table have the same number of valence electrons and hence they have similar properties and reactivities.
All elements of the alkali metals (lithium [Li], sodium [Na], potassium [K}, rubidium [Rb], cesium [Cs] and francium [Fr]) group will react violently when placed in water. The further from the top, the more violent the reaction will be. This happens due to their very high reactivities and thus, they are kept in kerosene oil.
Group 1 elements are highly reactive, making them difficult to handle in their pure form. Their compounds, however, are often more stable and easier to work with, making them more practical for various applications such as in industry or research. Additionally, compounds of group 1 elements can exhibit specific properties or reactivities that are not found in the pure elements themselves.
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.
No, they do not.
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)
Philip Cadman has written: 'Studies in chemical reactivities'
Mg (magnesium)
Two substances with vastly different reactivities and an electrolyte.
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.
Roy Ensor has written: 'Radical reactivities in the telomerisation of methyl methacrylate'
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.
Mg (magnesium)
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.
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).