The chemical reactivity of an element is dependent on
A) the number of protons.
B) the arrangement of neutrons.
C) the number of electrons in the outermost shell.
D) the number of protons and neutrons.
E) the number of electrons in the inner shell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chemical reactivity of an element is dependent on the number of electrons in the outermost shell, also known as the valence shell. This is because these valence electrons are the ones involved in chemical bonding and determining the element's properties. The number of protons and neutrons determines the element's identity, but not necessarily its reactivity. The arrangement of neutrons also does not play a significant role in determining chemical reactivity. The number of electrons in the inner shell may affect the element's stability but not its reactivity.

The Chemical Reactivity of an Element Is Dependent on