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It's hard to say how far to go with this. But let's think of it intuitively and see what emerges. So atoms react when they're not completely happy with their current selves.
1. If they have too much energy, they try and lose some (energy is released upon bond formation).
2. If they have not filled their valance shell, they will want to fill it.
So conversely, we can see that atoms with very little energy will not react. At ground state (low energy) they are very stable.
And again, conversely, when their valance shell is filled (see; Noble Gases) they are stable and unreactive....inert even!
This is true of molecules, too. Carbon with no bonds has 4 valance e-....meaning 4 are missing to complete the valance shell. So C on it's own would be incredibly reactive, in fact you'll never see it.
But CH4 means both C and H have filled their valance shells and so it's much more stable and unreactive. Of course, CH4 will react with some things but you can see how filling those valance shells has made a big difference to the stability.
So those are the two big points. Other things, like being a solid, increase stability in some ways. Especially if dissociation is required before a further reaction occurs.
Like H2O in solution is constantly converting to and from H+ and OH-. In ice, this doesn't really occur so much....but again, we have a potential temperature argument. So probably a point best ignored as it becomes something of a semantic argument.
Other things such as whether a reaction is symmetry allowed, sterics and conformation can be very important...but again more to do with specific reactivities than general stability.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Larger atoms are least likely to be reactive when they have a full outer electron shell, such as the noble gases in Group 18 of the Periodic Table. This stable electron configuration makes it difficult for larger atoms to gain or lose electrons, reducing their reactivity.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoWhen its valence orbitals are fully filled.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoatom is likely to react when it has a pair of electrons for bonding.............
Shels 91
When they have 8 valence electrons.
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Are atoms with fewer electrons more reactive?
Atoms with fewer electrons tend to be more reactive because they are more likely to gain additional electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This process allows them to become more chemically stable, leading to increased reactivity.
What these nonmetals which one is likely to be the least reactive nitrogen (N) phosphorous (P) sulfur (S) oxygen (O)?
Nitrogen (N) is likely to be the least reactive among the nonmetals listed. It is a diatomic gas with a stable triple bond that makes it less reactive compared to phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O) which are more readily reactive due to their lower bond strengths.
Which atoms are least likely to be radioactive?
Atoms with stable nuclei are least likely to be radioactive. Typically, atoms with an even number of protons and neutrons are more stable and less likely to undergo radioactive decay. This includes elements such as carbon-12, oxygen-16, and nitrogen-14.
What bonds is the least reactive a c-c bh-h c o-h d h-cl?
The least reactive bond is the C-C bond. Single bonds between carbon atoms tend to be relatively stable compared to other bonds like C-O, O-H, or H-Cl, which are more polar or reactive due to differences in electronegativity between the atoms involved.
Most reactive gas?
Fluorine is considered the most reactive gas because of its high electronegativity and tendency to gain an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. It readily reacts with almost all other elements, including noble gases.
Are atoms with fewer electrons more reactive?
Atoms with fewer electrons tend to be more reactive because they are more likely to gain additional electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This process allows them to become more chemically stable, leading to increased reactivity.
Most reactive gas?
Fluorine is considered the most reactive gas because of its high electronegativity and tendency to gain an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. It readily reacts with almost all other elements, including noble gases.
Are the least reactive metals easier to extract?
NO Gold and platinum are not revy reactive.
Is potassium the least reactive?
no, it is very reactive.
What are the least reactive noble gases or metalloids?
noble gases are least reactive
Which atoms are least likely to be radioactive?
Atoms with stable nuclei are least likely to be radioactive. Typically, atoms with an even number of protons and neutrons are more stable and less likely to undergo radioactive decay. This includes elements such as carbon-12, oxygen-16, and nitrogen-14.
What is the least reactive non metal out of CI I F Br?
The least reactive is bromine.
Is beryllium the most or least reactive in its group?
Beryllium is the least reactive in the group 2.
Are ethers least reactive?
Ethers are generally less reactive compared to other functional groups like alcohols or halides. However, they can be cleaved by strong acids or oxidizing agents, making them susceptible to certain reactions. Additionally, their reactivity can vary depending on the specific structure and environment.
What is the least reactive groups on the periodic table?
Noble gases are least reactive because they have a full shell
Least reactive metal in group 1 of the periodic table?
The least reactive metal in group 1 of the periodic table is francium. Francium is highly radioactive and has a very short half-life, making it extremely rare and difficult to study its chemical properties.
What are the ranks of the periodic table families from most to least reactive?
Most reactive metals are alkali metals, most reactive nonmetalas are halogens.Least reactive metals are platinum metals; least reactive nonmetals are noble gases.
