Multiple Choice
Which part of an atom determines how it will react with other atoms?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which statement best describes the relationship between the number of valence electrons in an element and its chemical activity?
A
Elements with a nearly full or nearly empty valence shell tend to be more chemically active.
B
Elements with a completely filled valence shell are the most chemically active.
C
Elements with exactly four valence electrons are always the most reactive.
D
The number of valence electrons does not affect the chemical activity of an element.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and largely determine an element's chemical properties and reactivity.
Recall that elements tend to be more chemically reactive when they can easily gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration.
Recognize that elements with nearly full valence shells (close to 8 electrons) tend to gain electrons easily, while those with nearly empty valence shells (close to 0 electrons) tend to lose electrons easily, both leading to high chemical reactivity.
Note that elements with completely filled valence shells are generally very stable and thus less chemically reactive, as they have little tendency to gain or lose electrons.
Conclude that the chemical activity of an element is closely related to how close its valence shell is to being full or empty, making elements with nearly full or nearly empty valence shells the most chemically active.
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