Why do elements have different properties?

Answer 1

The to largest reasons that I know of are 1) that the elements have different numbers of electrons that can take part in chemical reactions, and 2) that the atoms are of different sizes which makes them stack together differently. Let’s look at each one.

First, consider the periodic table of the elements. We know from long experimentation and study that elements in columns have the same number of valence electrons. (Valence electrons are the ones in the outermost shell of electrons, they are the ones that take part in chemical reactions. The inner electron shells have nothing to do with chemical reactions.) So, lithium, potassium and sodium all have one valence electron. They are all similar in that respect. They form similar chemical compounds, and their compounds all have similar properties.

Second, what makes lithium, potassium and sodium different? It is the mass of the nucleus (the number of protons and neutrons) and the number of electrons must match the number of protons in each case. More particles means a physically larger atom. So the same number of potassium atoms will weigh more than the same number of lithium atoms, and less than that number of sodium atoms. You could think of them as being like little balls. The lithium are one size, the potassium are another size, and the sodium are still another size.

Because of the size of the atoms, they will stack up differently. You can stack marbles in a box in nice neat rows, or you could also stack golf balls in the box in nice neat rows. If you try to mix them, you will not be able to form nice neat rows. If you have neat rows of marbles stacked up and then try to stick in a golf ball, it will form a lump. If you have golf balls stacked up in the box, and then try to put in a marble, it will create a space or gap.

When we stack atoms up in nice neat rows and columns, that is called forming a crystal. Putting impurities in, like our odd sized atom, is called introducing a ‘discontinuity’, and the crystal is no longer perfectly shaped, because of the impurity. We can’t make up for a missing golf ball by putting in a baseball, and we can’t make up for extra golf balls by putting in marbles. Each atom is round and has the properties associated with spheres. But they have other properties also, each peculiar to its own kind.

I have only given you the very briefest of overviews as to how and why elements differ from each other. But I hope this will give you enough to help build at least the beginning of understanding.

21 DEC 06, 0426 hrs, GMT.

Answer 2

It really comes down to the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons each element has. Those numbers determine that properties based on electromagnetic and nuclear interactions.

Answer 3

very a lot so. interior the widely used state, the elements are electrically impartial and hence are a lot less reactive than the ionized kind of the elements which carry quite some information superhighway minus or helpful costs. some factors may even anticipate a spectrum of information superhighway helpful or detrimental costs. This will develop very much the reactivity and participation of a given ion in pluripotent chemical reactions with in a complicated equipment. that's the electrostatic polarization that kinds the theory for beginning resources to enter into the pathway ensuing in reaction. the products issuing from the altered conformational configuration many reactants undergo both on my own or with the information of a catalyst ( the entity which assists would-be reactive molecules to conquer the activation power required beforehand a spontaneous reaction and ability power loss takes position to steer downhill to the products)that determines the reaction mechanism and product constancy of a given set of reactants. all the chemical reactions in residing platforms ensue with the help of distinctive feature of the decision of thousands of thousands of electrostatic potentials and their corresponding effect on one yet another to respond to the demands of a spectacularly orchestrated ensemble of chemical factors in ionized kind to save what's residing alive..

Answer 4

Because of the different number of valence electrons...

Valence electrons are the actual electrons that are involved in chemical bonding and reactions, so the elements in the same group usually behave really alike.

Answer 5

That depends a lot about what properties you are talking about. Maybe you should resubmit questions about a specific property to get the answer to what you really want to know.

Answer 6

cause they have different atoms and molecules to give different chemical and physical proporties

Answer 7

Cause if they didn't, everything would be Silly Putty.