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Question

What determines the reactivity of elements in chemical reactions?

This question was previously asked in
RRB JE 2025 CBT 2 Mechanical and Allied Engg Question Paper English (2-Jul-2026) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

Reactivity depends on ease of electron loss or gain

To understand what determines the reactivity of elements in chemical reactions, we need to delve into basic atomic and molecular chemistry.

  1. Role of Electrons in Reactivity:
    • The reactivity of an element is largely determined by its ability to gain or lose electrons. This is because chemical reactions often involve the transfer of electrons.
    • For metals, reactivity often increases down a group as electrons can be lost more easily due to increased atomic size. For instance, alkali metals like potassium are more reactive than lithium.
    • For non-metals, reactivity often decreases down a group because the ability to attract electrons becomes weaker. Halogens are a classic example, with fluorine being more reactive than iodine.
  2. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
    • The option stating that "Reactivity remains constant for all chemical elements" is incorrect because elements behave differently under varying conditions.
    • The notion "Reactivity independent of electron transfer in reactions" is incorrect as electron transfer is a fundamental aspect of chemical reactivity.
    • The option "Reactivity depends only on nuclear properties of atoms" overlooks the electrochemical aspect where electron interactions are key.

Conclusion: The reactivity of elements in chemical reactions predominantly depends on the ease of electron loss or gain, aligning with the correct answer: "Reactivity depends on ease of electron loss or gain."

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Similar Questions

  1. Which statement best explains how ionic radius varies with charge and electronic configuration of ions?

  2. Which statement correctly explains the modern periodic law of elements?

  3. Which statement best defines electron gain enthalpy for an isolated gaseous atom?


Important Questions from Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

  1. Which one of the following statements about alkaline earth metals is NOT true ?
  2. What element is a greenish yellow gas with a characteristic smell at room temperature?
  3. In the periodic table, as one goes down the group, which property doesn't change?
  4. Which of the following is a copper ore?
  5. Which scientist invented the Periodic table?
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