2007-01-20 10:55:39 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
if an atom is reactive, it is generally because they aren't stable, meaning that they don't have the full number of electrons in their outer shells.
This is why all the noble gases aren't reactive. They tend to be "noble" and try not to stick with the commoners, who are the reactive atoms that are not stable.
2007-01-20 11:00:27 · answer #1 · answered by John Doe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indeed, it as simple as how willing they are to give up or take electrons.
In general the Alkali Metals and the Halogens are the most reactive families.
Get an "A".
2007-01-20 20:40:41 · answer #2 · answered by teachr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know but an atom is radioactive because of the differences in Electrons and protons.
2007-01-20 19:01:54 · answer #3 · answered by gatorboi19884870 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
reactive atoms are incomplete in octect. outer orbit is incomplete octects.
2007-01-20 19:05:11 · answer #4 · answered by sureshrathinam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
losing or getting electrons.
2007-01-20 19:00:49 · answer #5 · answered by flyoverall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋