Question

Which element below is the most reactive?

oxygen

hydrogen

chlorine

neon

Answer 1

Answer: Chlorine

Explanation: Chlorine has an atomic number of 17 and a configuration of 2, 8, 7. In the outermost shell, it has 7 seven electrons which means that it needs just one more electron to attain an octet configuration in that shell. Therefore it's can react quickly with any nearby nucleophile. Chlorine is more stable as a molecule (Cl2) because that way, it's in a covalent bond with itself and each chlorine atom in the molecule attains an octet. It's is also more stable as a Chloride ion (Cl-). Yes, Hydrogen (H) has a single electron in it's single shell and requires just one electron to attain a stable duplet configuration but it's not as reactive as the Cl because that single electron is closer to the nucleus and it's held firmly by the nuclear charge preventing it from being highly reactive. Unlike hydrogen, chlorine atom has 2 more shells shielding the outermost shell from the effect of the nuclear charge, hence, it's willing to accept electron from a donor. Oxygen need 2 more electrons to attain an octet in it's outermost shell considering it's configuration of 2,6. But in the presence of electrons, Cl would pick up electron faster than Oxygen since it requires just one. Neon on the other hand is a noble gas. It's shells are completely filled. considering it's configuration of 2,8, it has no space to accept electrons and cannot donate either. Hence, no room for reactivity.

Answer 2

Chlorine is the most reactive element.

Hence, Option (C) is correct answer.

How to determine the reactivity of element?

To determine we have to check whether the element is metal or non metal. Elements which lose their valence electrons easily or gain them easily is most reactive elements.

Now lets check all options one by one:

Option (A): Oxygen

Oxygen is a chemical element. The symbol of Oxygen is O. The atomic number of Oxygen is 8. Oxygen belongs to the period 2 and group 16 in the periodic table. Oxygen has six valence electrons.

Option (B): Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a chemical element. The symbol of Hydrogen is H. The atomic number of hydrogen is 1. Hydrogen belongs to period 1 and group 1 in the periodic table. Hydrogen has one valence electron.

Option (C): Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical element. The symbol of Chlorine is Cl. The atomic number of chlorine is 17. Chlorine belongs to period 3 and group 17 in the periodic table. Chlorine has seven valence electrons.

Option (D): Neon

Neon is a chemical element. The symbol of neon is Ne. The atomic number of Neon is 10. Neon belongs to period 2 and group 18 in the periodic table. Neon does not require to lose or gain electrons.

Thus from the above conclusion we can say that Chlorine is the most reactive element.

Hence, Option (C) is correct answer.

Learn more about the Periodic Table here: https://brainly.com/question/15987580

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