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Multiple Choice
Which two groups on the periodic table are considered the most reactive, and what is the primary reason for their high reactivity?
A
Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) and Group 18 (noble gases); both have full outer electron shells.
B
Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals); both have low ionization energies.
C
Group 3 (boron group) and Group 16 (chalcogens); both readily form covalent bonds.
D
Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 17 (halogens); both have only one electron to lose or gain to achieve a stable octet.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the groups mentioned in the problem: Group 1 (alkali metals), Group 2 (alkaline earth metals), Group 3 (boron group), Group 16 (chalcogens), Group 17 (halogens), and Group 18 (noble gases).
Recall that reactivity in the periodic table is largely determined by how easily an element can achieve a stable electron configuration, often the octet (8 electrons) in its outer shell.
Understand that Group 1 elements have 1 electron in their outer shell and tend to lose that electron easily to achieve a full octet in the next lower energy level, making them highly reactive metals.
Recognize that Group 17 elements have 7 electrons in their outer shell and tend to gain 1 electron to complete their octet, making them highly reactive nonmetals.
Conclude that the high reactivity of Group 1 and Group 17 elements is due to their strong tendency to lose or gain one electron, respectively, to achieve a stable octet configuration.