2007-05-24 09:41:31 · 3 answers · asked by 41 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The lowest member of a family in the nonmetals is the least reactive. The trend in electronegativity as well as the ionic radius tells us this information. To react the nonmetals try to gain electrons. If the bottom member of the group has more "shielding" from layers of electrons, the atom will not have as much of an attraction to the outer electrons or electrons it needs to capture.
This trend is reversed for metals.
2007-05-24 09:44:45 · answer #1 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All things equal, the highest atomic-number non-radioactive member of the group. It is difficult to characterize a group member as least reactive. The 2-level member (oxygen) has special properties based on its small size, but the higher members have more flexibility with their compounds.
2007-05-24 16:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
antimone because the atom is bigger so it is harder for it to rip other electrons from other atom. The bigger the atom the less magnetic pull from the nucleus. (Fluorine is the most reactive)
2007-05-24 16:45:06 · answer #3 · answered by T Hobbes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋