Campbell Biology in Focus, Books a la Carte Edition; Modified Mastering Biology with Pearson eText - ValuePack Access Card - for Campbell Biology in Focus (2nd Edition)
bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 2, Problem 1TYU

The reactivity of an atom arises from

  1. A.    the average distance of the outermost electron shell from the nucleus.
  2. B.     the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell.
  3. C.     the sum of the potential energies of all the electron shells.
  4. D.    the potential energy of the valence shall.
Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

An atom is the smallest possible particle of an element. It is the basic unit of any structure found in the universe. Two or more atoms together make a molecule.

Answer to Problem 1TYU

Correct answer:

The reactivity of an atom arises from the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell.

Therefore, option (B) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Unpaired electrons in a valence shell are unstable in nature and in order to become stable, an atom can lose or gain electrons and becomes reactive.

Option (B) is given as “the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell”.

As “the reactivity of an atom arises from the existence of unpaired electrons in the valence shell”, it is the right answer.

Hence, option (B) is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (A) is given as “the average distance of the outermost electron shell from the nucleus”.

If the distance of the outermost electron shell is large, then there would be a lesser nuclear effective charge. Thus, an electron can easily be expelled out of its shell. Thus, it does not cause an atomic reactivity. Hence, it is the wrong answer.

Option (C) is given as “the sum of the potential energies of all the electron shells”.

The sum of the potential energies of all the electron shells affects only the chemical properties of the atom and is not involved in its reactivity. Hence, it is the wrong answer.

Option (D) is given as “the potential energies of the valence shell”.

The potential energy of the valence shell decides which shell would get the electron first and is not involved in its reactivity. Hence, it is the wrong answer.

Hence, options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The number of electrons present in the outermost shell of an atom determines the atom reactivity.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Define the following terms: a. dipole b. hydrogen bond c. electrostatic interaction d. covalent bond e. hydration
. A cation is a(n)a. uncharged atom.b. positively charged atom.c. negatively charged atom.d. atom that has gained an electron
The size and shape of the atomic orbitals have many important implications for bonding and intermolecular interactions in biological systems. Select which orbital type has the largest number of angular nodes. A. P B. D C. None of the answers D. F E. S

Chapter 2 Solutions

Campbell Biology in Focus, Books a la Carte Edition; Modified Mastering Biology with Pearson eText - ValuePack Access Card - for Campbell Biology in Focus (2nd Edition)

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168130
Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
GCSE Chemistry - Acids and Bases #34; Author: Cognito;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt8fB3MFzLk;License: Standard youtube license