The reactivity of an atom arises from
- A. the average distance of the outermost electron shell from the nucleus.
- B. the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell.
- C. the sum of the potential energies of all the electron shells.
- D. the potential energy of the valence shall.
Introduction:
An atom is the smallest possible particle of an element. It is the basic unit of any structure found in the universe. Two or more atoms together make a molecule.
Answer to Problem 1TYU
Correct answer:
The reactivity of an atom arises from the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell.
Therefore, option (B) is correct.
Explanation of Solution
Reason for the correct statement:
Unpaired electrons in a valence shell are unstable in nature and in order to become stable, an atom can lose or gain electrons and becomes reactive.
Option (B) is given as “the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell”.
As “the reactivity of an atom arises from the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell”, it is the right answer.
Hence, option (B) is correct.
Reasons for the incorrect statements:
Option (A) is given as “the average distance of the outermost electron shell from the nucleus”.
If the distance of the outermost electron shell is large, then there would be a lesser nuclear effective charge. Thus, an electron can easily be expelled out of its shell. Thus, it does not cause an atomic reactivity. Hence, it is the wrong answer.
Option (C) is given as “the sum of the potential energies of all the electron shells”.
The sum of the potential energies of all the electron shells affects only the chemical properties of the atom and is not involved in its reactivity. Hence, it is the wrong answer.
Option (D) is given as “the potential energies of the valence shell”.
The potential energy of the valence shell decides which shell would get the electron first and is not involved in its reactivity. Hence, it is the wrong answer.
Hence, options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect.
The number of electrons present in the outermost shell of an atom determines the atom reactivity.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 2 Solutions
BIOLOGY IN FOCUS-ACCESS >CUSTOM<
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology
Biology: Concepts and Investigations
Anatomy & Physiology
Brock Biology of Microorganisms (15th Edition)
Genetics: From Genes to Genomes
Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach (3rd Edition)
- Iodine has 37 known isotopes. Therefore, the atomic mass has a range of 108-144 amu. Which of the following statements concerning iodine is correct? A) The isotopes of iodine have between 55 and 91 protons. B) An atom of iodine can have between 55 and 91 neutrons. C) The isotopes of iodine will always have the same number of neutrons, but the protons can vary. D) The isotopes of iodine have between 108 and 144 neutrons, but the number of protons will not vary.arrow_forwardThe atomic number gives thea. number of neutrons in the nucleus.b. number of protons in the nucleus.c. weight of the atom.d. number of protons in the valence shell.arrow_forwardWhich statement is true of all atoms that are anions?(A) The atom has more electrons than protons.(B) The atom has more protons than electrons.(C) The atom has fewer protons than does a neutral atomof the same element.(D) The atom has more neutrons than protons.arrow_forward
- Which of the following statements about chemicalbonds is true?a. Covalent bonds are stronger than ionic bonds.b. Hydrogen bonds occur between two atoms ofhydrogen.c. Bonding readily occurs between nonpolar andpolar molecules.d. A molecule of water is unlikely to bond with anion.arrow_forwardA covalent bond forms whena. electrons are present in a valence shell.b. a valence electron is removed from one atom and added to another.c. a pair of valence electrons is shared between two atoms.d. the electronegativity of one atom is much greater than that ofanother atom.arrow_forwardWhat is a proton? A. A negatively charged particle B. A positively charged particle C. An element on the periodic table D. Any particle found in the nucleusarrow_forward
- 11H and 13H have (a) different chemical properties because they have different atomic numbers (b) the same chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons (c) different chemical properties because they differ in their number of protons and electrons (d) the samechemical properties because they have the same atomic mass (e) the same chemical properties because they have the same number of protons, electrons, and neutronsarrow_forwardThe atomic mass number of an atom is determined by the sum of the number of in the atom. (a) protons plus electrons plus neutrons (b) protons plus electrons (c) neutrons plus electrons (d) neutrons plus protonsarrow_forwardB. A chlorine atom (Cl) becomes a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl) when it gains an electron and fills the vacancy in its third, outermost shell. Figure It Out: Does a chloride ion have an unpaired electron?arrow_forward
- Manufacturers make carbonated drinks by forcing pressurized carbon dioxide gas into flavored water. A chemical reaction between water molecules and some of the CO2 molecules creates hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate, which is a buffer. In your opinion, is this reaction likely to raise the pH of a soda above 7, or lower it? Give your reasoning.arrow_forwardWhat atom has only one proton? a. hydrogen c. a free radical b. an isotope d. a radioisotopearrow_forwardVisit this website (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/ptable) to view the periodic table. In the periodic table of the elements, elements in a single column have the same number of electrons that can participate in a chemical reaction. These electrons are known as valence electrons. For example, the elements in the first column all have a single valence electron—an electron that can be donated in a chemical reaction with another atom. What is the meaning of a mass number shown in parentheses?arrow_forward
- Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168130Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark WomblePublisher:OpenStax CollegeConcepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeBiology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning