Join ExamsbookAnswer : 1. "the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell"
The reactivity of an atom arises from5
Q: The reactivity of an atom arises from
- 1the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shelltrue
- 2the energy differences between the electron shellsfalse
- 3the sum of the potential energies of all the electron shellsfalse
- 4the average distance of the outermost electron shell from the nucleusfalse
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Answer : 1. "the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell"
Explanation :
Answer: A) the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell Explanation: When atoms react they do so in order to reach the lowest energy, which is the most stable. The electrons orbitals will overlap in the way that reduces the energy the most. Orbitals of similar energy will produce the greatest stabilisation.The answer you gave isn't the whole story, it depends what species is reacting with what. The effective nuclear charge on the atom will affect the energy of the valance electrons. Hence, the reactivity of an atom arises from the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell.