Why some elements are reactive?

Why some elements are reactive?

The number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom determines its reactivity. Halogens are highly reactive because they readily gain an electron to fill their outermost shell. Alkali metals are highly reactive because they readily lose the single electron in their outermost shell.

Is S or O more reactive?

oxygen is only more reactive than sulphur because due to small atomic size oxygen atom has high tendency to attract the electrons ( more electronegative )….

Which element is more reactive out of O and Se?

Oxygen, sulfur and selenium are all group 16 elements. So, their electronegativity decreases down the group. Also, nitrogen is less electronegative than oxygen atom. Hence, we can conclude that out of the given options element oxygen is more reactive than the others.

Why do metals get less reactive across a period?

Reactivity of Elements (decreases down the group) This is due to the fact that atomic radius increases in size with an increase of electronic energy levels. This lessens the attraction for valence electrons of other atoms, decreasing reactivity. In Metals: Period – reactivity decreases as you go from left to right.

What is the trend for reactivity?

The metallic character increases as you go down a group. Since the ionization energy decreases going down a group (or increases going up a group), the increased ability for metals lower in a group to lose electrons makes them more reactive.

How do you know if a metal is more reactive than another?

In a reactivity series, the most reactive element is placed at the top and the least reactive element at the bottom. More reactive metals have a greater tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions .

How do you determine the highest reactivity?

The Alkali Metals (Group 1) have the highest tendency to lose electrons, making them the most reactive of the metals. This is because they have one outer electron and losing it gives them the stability of a outer electron shell as the next level down becomes the highest occupied level.

Why is zinc Electropositive?

Yes zinc is most electropositive than iron but the idea behind zinc being used to galvanize iron is based on their electrode potentials. This implies that zinc will be more reactive than iron hence when used to galvanize iron it will be sacrificed in place of iron hence protecting the iron metal from being corroded.