Final answer:
To determine if a reaction will occur based on electron density arguments, we analyze the reactivity and electron configurations of the reacting species, considering stability, the activity series, and conservation laws, such as baryon number conservation in nuclear reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a reaction will occur by using only electron density arguments, we look at the reactivity of the species involved and whether there is a suitable overlap of electron density that allows for bond formation and breaking in accordance with the rules of chemistry, such as the conservation of baryon number, the activity series, and electrostatic considerations.
For instance, a reaction might not occur if the species in question have electron configurations that are stable and do not allow for the sharing or transfer of electrons, according to the rules of chemistry. Conversely, if one species has a high electron density (and reactivity) and another has a low electron density, the reaction may be more likely to occur as electrons can be transferred or shared more easily.
Using the activity series, if a metal is more reactive than the cation in a compound, it can displace the less reactive metal from the compound, causing a chemical reaction. For radioactive decay processes, reactions are determined by nuclear stability and conservation laws such as baryon number, charge, and energy considerations.