Question

Why do some elements exhibit variable valency?

A) Variable valency is determined by the position of the element on the periodic table.

B) It is a result of the tendency of elements to gain or lose electrons in chemical reactions.

C) Variable valency is a characteristic only observed in metals.

D) It is a consequence of the number of neutrons in the element's nucleus.

Answer 1

Variable valency is determined by the tendency of elements to gain or lose electrons in chemical reactions. Elements in the same group of the periodic table have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Variable valency is a result of the tendency of elements to gain or lose electrons in chemical reactions.

The valence electrons determine the chemical properties of an element and their arrangement in the periodic table.

Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.

For example, elements in Group 1 (alkali metals) have 1 valence electron, while elements in Group 17 (halogens) have 7 valence electrons.