answersLogoWhite

0

All metals react with other elements by losing their outermost electrons in their atoms forming 'positive ions'. So the ease with which they can lose these electrons gives us an indication of how reactive they are.

Aluminium, as an example has three electrons in the outer orbits of each aluminum atom, and so three have to be lost for the aluminum to react. Calcium, a more reactive metal has only 2 electrons in the outermost orbits of its atoms, and so these are more easily lost, making calcium more reactive.

However all group 1 elements (Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Caesium, Francium) all have just one electron in the outermost orbits of their atoms, and so they are the most reactive of all metals as this one electron is very easily lost.

More than this, the reactivity gets stronger as the atoms get larger (as you proceed down the group) because the outermost electron is further away from the nucleus and is therefore less strongly bound to the atom than the outermost electron in smaller atoms like lithium as the electron is closer to the nucleus and more tightly bonded to the rest of the atom.

This means that Lithium is the least reactive of the Group 1 elements and Francium the most reactive. Francium is radioactive and does not exist in large quantities, so practically caesium is the most reactive. Lithium, when placed on the surface of some water fizzes vigorously. However, caesium, when placed in a glass trough of water explodes violently, with enough force to shatter the trough and possibly damage greatly the surrounding area too.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

Where on the periodic table is most reactive nonmetal?

The most reactive nonmetals are located in the top right corner of the periodic table within Group 17, also known as the halogens. Elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are highly reactive nonmetals due to their strong desire to gain an extra electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.


What is a classification of oxygen?

Oxygen is classified as a nonmetal on the periodic table. It belongs to Group 16 or Group VIA, also known as the chalcogens. Oxygen is highly reactive and is essential for most living organisms for respiration.


What are the most active groups in the periodic table?

The most active groups in the periodic table are Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 17 (halogens). Alkali metals are highly reactive due to their tendency to lose an electron, while halogens are highly reactive due to their tendency to gain an electron to achieve a full outer shell.


Most reactive nonmetals?

The most reactive nonmetals are located in Group 17 of the periodic table, known as the halogens. This group includes elements such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are highly reactive due to their strong tendency to gain electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell.


What is the most reactive non metal?

there are many non metals that are very very reactive. some are even more reactive than some certain metals. there are no exact answers to that but according to me, it should be fluorine. HOPE THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION PROVES TO BE USEFUL

Related Questions

What is a halogen and is found in what group?

halogens are the most reactive nonmetal family


What group of non metals are the most reactive?

The most reactive nonmetal is fluorine. Fluorine is a halogen, which is Group 17 on the Periodic Table, and the halogens are the most reactive...


Which elements of the halogen family is the most reactive nonmetal?

The most reactive nonmetal is fluorine


What is the most reactive metal and nonmetal group in the periodic table?

caesium is the most reactive non-radioactive metal and Florine is the most reactive non-metal, but francium is the most reactive, radioactive metal


The most reactive group of the nonmetals are the?

Halogens among halogens fluorine is most reactive


Does group 7A of the periodic table contain the most reactive nonmetal?

Yes. Using the modern numbering system, that group is named group 17. Group 17 contains the halogens, the most reactive nonmetals.


What gas is the most reactive of all elements?

Francium is the most reactive metal and fluorine the most reactive nonmetal.


What groups of nonmetal is most reactant?

Group 17 or 7-A, the halogens, are the most reactive non-metals.


Does group 7A of the periodic tables contain the least reactive nonmetals?

No, Group 8A (Noble Gases) are the least reactive nonmetals because they have a full outer shell of electrons and do not readily form chemical bonds. Group 7A (Halogens) are more reactive in comparison.


Is carbon a very reactive non metal?

Carbon is a very reactive nonmetal but not the most reactive.


The most reactive non-metal are found in group?

Group 17 (the halogens)


Which family of elements is the most reactive nonmetal family?

The most reactive family of nonmetals is the halogen family.