answersLogoWhite

0

Since the electrons in a smaller atom are closer to the protons in the nucleus, the pull is stronger, so it tends to hold on the the electrons rather than release them during a reaction. Think of a magnet trying to lift a paper clip from far away instead of close up; that's why larger atoms tend to only loosely hold their electrons.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry
Related Questions

Why are valence electrons used in bonding?

The valence electrons in the otermost shell of an atom are from an energy point of view the easiest to rmove or share with other atoms. The inner sheel alectrons are much more tightly bound. The important measure of this energy is the ionization energy.


What is the periodic trends in ionization energy?

The ionization energy increases because the energy required to remove a valence electron will increase. The atoms want to keep their valence electrons because as you move more towards the right of the Periodic Table towards the noble gases. To write an abbreviation for electron configuration, it requires a noble gas and the valence electron configuration.


What indicates how strongly an atoms nucleus holds onto its valence electrons?

The measure of how strongly an atom's nucleus holds onto its valence electrons is known as electronegativity. Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group in the periodic table. Atoms with high electronegativity tend to attract electrons more strongly than those with low electronegativity.


Electrons that exist in an atoms highest occupied energy level are known as?

valence electrons


What do shells (energy levels) and valence electrons have to do with atoms combining to make molecules?

Valence electrons form the bonds between atoms in a molecule.


What is the period trend in first ionized energies?

The ionization energy increases because the energy required to remove a valence electron will increase. The atoms want to keep their valence electrons because as you move more towards the right of the Periodic Table towards the noble gases. To write an abbreviation for electron configuration, it requires a noble gas and the valence electron configuration.


Atom with low ionization energy give up their outer valence electron with ease?

The ionization energy tells us about the energy required (and thus the ease) with which an atom/ion can give away an electron (in the outermost shell). So, atoms with low ionization energies ( lowest for Caesium) give away the electron with ease


What is a valence energy level?

A valence energy level refers to the outermost electron shell of an atom, where the valence electrons reside. These electrons are crucial for determining an atom's chemical properties and its ability to bond with other atoms. The valence energy level influences reactivity, ionization energy, and electronegativity, playing a key role in the formation of molecules and compounds. Understanding this level helps explain the behavior of elements in the periodic table.


Which electrons in an atom have the highest energy level?

Electrons in the outermost energy level (valence electrons) have the highest energy level. These electrons are involved in the atom's chemical reactions and bonding with other atoms.


Valence electrons in a sentence?

valence electrons are the electrons found in the outermost energy level of bohr diagram for an element.


What determines whether or not an atom will loose its valence electrons?

An atom's tendency to lose its valence electrons is primarily determined by its electronegativity and ionization energy. Atoms with low ionization energy, typically found in groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table (like alkali and alkaline earth metals), readily lose their valence electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. Additionally, the atomic size plays a role; larger atoms have valence electrons that are farther from the nucleus and are less tightly held, making them more likely to be lost. Overall, the balance of these factors influences an atom's reactivity and ability to form positive ions.


What type of electron is available to form bonds?

Valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, are available to form bonds with other atoms. These electrons are involved in the formation of chemical bonds.