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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).

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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.

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Chemical properties

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Q: What are the reactivities of an element?
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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.


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