Question: Relate reactivity to electron distance from nucleus/strength of all attraction to nucleus
In this instance, it is safe to think of the size of an atom with the electron and nucleus position.
• The larger atom ( more electons ) the more reactive. the larger the atom will also be further from the nucleus and therefore further from the positively charged nucleus.
• Therefore, in terms of attraction, it will be easier for the valence electrons to leave the atom and form ionic bond /interact with another atom to form covalent bond .
In conclusion, reactivity of an element is related to changes in the electronic structure which is strongly dependent upon the attraction of valence electrons to the nucleus.