answersLogoWhite

0

Atoms in any given group have a common pattern of electron shell arrangement which results in common chemical behaviour.

The NOBLE or INERT gases all have 8 electrons in their outer shell, which makes it 'full' and stable. So they don't share electrons, so no reactions.

The ALKALI metals (Sodium, Potassium, Cesium, etc on the far left of the Periodic Table) all have ONE sole electron in their outermost shell. This they happily give away (to end up with 8 in the outer shell) but then they have ONE more proton than electron. So they become a ONE positively charged ion. As the element gets heavier (going down the line), the atom gets larger and the single electron further from the nucleus, so it is easier to remove, that is MORE chemical reactive.

The ALKALINE EARTH metals (Magnesium, Calcium, Radium, etc one line to the right of the Alkali Metals) have a similar pattern - but substitute TWO for ONE.

The HALOGENS are to the left of the NOBLE gases. They have SEVEN electrons in their outermost shell. Given that there are so many promiscuous ALKALI metals willing to throw away their electrons, the halogens are happy to gain ONE electron so that there are now 8 in the outermost shell, there are one ONE more electrons than protons, and ith now becomes a ONE negatively changed ion. As the element gets heavier (going down the line), the atom gets larger and the pulling force on the electron much less, so it is harder to gain, that is LESS chemical reactive.

And on it goes.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How many cells is in a atom?

None, the question is how many atoms in a cell? There are infinitely many atoms in any given cell.


Is it true that an anion is any atom or group of atoms with a positive change?

false


What do groups norms express about a group at any given moment in the group's history?

Standards


What do group norms express about a group at any given moment in the groups history?

Standards


Can two points be noncoplanar?

Any three given points can be joined by a common plane, and any two given points can be joined by a common line and an infinite number of common planes.


What is the functional group of C6Cl6-hexachlorobenzene?

The functional group of C6Cl6, or hexachlorobenzene, is a benzene ring with all six hydrogen atoms replaced by chlorine atoms. It does not contain any specific functional group such as alcohol or ketone.


Why does sound travel through solid?

A group of atoms move, bump into the next group of atoms, etc.; the energy of the bumping gets propagated. Sound will travel through almost any material.


What do group norms express about a group at any given in the group's history?

Group norms express cultural taboos from a certain period of history.


Which blood group is the only one that can be given in transfusion to any other blood group?

o negative


What do all atoms of any single element have in common?

All atoms of any single element have the same number of protons and electrons.


what do group norms express about a group at any given moment in the group history?

Group norms express cultural taboos from a certain period of history.


What do group norms express about a group at any given moment in the group's history?

Group norms express cultural taboos from a certain period of history.