Final answer:
The electron is the subatomic particle responsible for an atom's chemical behavior due to its involvement in forming chemical bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subatomic particle responsible for the characteristics of the chemical behavior of an atom is the electron. Electrons are located in the outermost subshell of an atom, and their interactions with other atoms lead to the formation of chemical bonds.
Atoms with electrons in their outermost subshell that can easily gain or lose electrons tend to be chemically reactive. The chemical properties of atoms are also greatly influenced by their electron configurations, which can be observed by studying the periodic table.
In particular, Group 18 elements, also known as the noble gases, have filled outer subshells which make them less chemically reactive due to their high ionization energies.
Chemical bonds such as ionic or covalent bonds involve the sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms.
The subatomic particle responsible for the characteristics of chemical behavior of the atom is the electron.
The number of electrons in the outermost subshell determines the atom's chemical properties, as these electrons are farthest from the nucleus and interact the most with other atoms.
The outermost subshell can easily accept or give up an electron, making the atom highly reactive chemically.