Question

Which statement explains why large atoms are more reactive than small atoms?

A.
Large atoms have valence electrons farther from the nucleus and lose them more readily.
B.
Large atoms have greater ionization energy, which they can utilize during a reaction.
C.
Large atoms have a greater number of electrons that they can lose during a reaction.
D.
Large atoms have more energy levels, so they have more energy to pass on in a reaction.

Answer 1

Large atoms are more reactive than smaller ones because their valence electrons are further from the nucleus and less tightly held, making them easier to lose. This results in lower ionization energy and a higher tendency to participate in chemical reactions to achieve stable electron configurations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why large atoms are more reactive than small atoms is because they have valence electrons farther from the nucleus which makes them easier to lose during chemical reactions. This is described in option A: Large atoms have valence electrons farther from the nucleus and lose them more readily. A larger atom has valence electrons that are less tightly held by the nucleus due to the increased distance and inner electron repulsion, leading to lower ionization energy.

Atoms react with other atoms mainly to achieve a stable electronic configuration, typically a full valence shell. Larger atoms, especially those in lower periods of the periodic table, can lose valence electrons more easily, which makes them highly reactive. The ionization energy tends to be lower for these atoms, which means less energy is required to remove an outer electron, facilitating reactions.

Answer 2

A. Large atoms have valence electrons farther from the nucleus and lose them more readily

Step-by-step explanation:

Large atoms have more energy levels, and the valence electron is farther from the nucleus, so the attractive force between this electron and the nucleus is weak. It will be necessary less energy for this atom loses an electron than a smaller atom. Large atoms lose their electrons more readily.