2007-09-15 22:13:23 · 8 answers · asked by Brigette 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
All these answers contain some truth (although some make mistakes as well). The matter is very complex but the basic principle is that some elements have their outer electrons more tightly bound than others. Those who have less tightly bound electrons are more reactive. After this it gets more complex in explaining why they are bound with different strengths.
2007-09-19 21:49:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because of octet-rule.All atoms want to have 8 outermost- electrons so some metals having only 1 valence-electron want to give that electron to others and they're reactive than others (eg.Lithium,Sodium,Potassium,etc).
In the other hand,some non-metals having 7 valence-electrons want to get 1 electrons from others and they're also reactive than others (eg.Fluorine,Chlorine,Bromine,Iodine,etc).
Valence-electron = outermost-electron of an atom
2007-09-16 05:30:17 · answer #2 · answered by Krait 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is due to the difference in size of the atom. Metals that are more reactive usually are bigger. Since metals react by losing their outer electrons, the bigger it is, the harder it is for the nucleus(centre of the atom) to pull the outer electrons in, hence it is easier to lose them. This makes them more reactive
2007-09-16 05:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by volatilebread 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the valency electrons and how they are bound to the nucleus. Those metals which are very reactive have light nuclei and only one valency electron (sodium, potassium etc.).
2007-09-16 05:19:29 · answer #4 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because metals are elements and all the elements are atoms. so all the element want to be stable by giving or taking to sharing electrons which are in their atom.(the outer most orbit should have s2p6 ). i hope you have heard about noble gases. they have s2p6 already so they don't react because they are already stable. so some elements react and some don't
2007-09-16 06:36:11 · answer #5 · answered by SIMONE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go according to the activity series of metals
learn it up
you will find it very helpful
now the mostreactive
K
Na
Ca.....
metals above Hydrogen will react quite vigourously but the elements below H like Au will hardly react with dil. acid/cold water/boiling water/steam.
2007-09-16 05:19:38 · answer #6 · answered by ABCD E 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
depnds on VE (valceny Electrons)
2007-09-16 05:21:20 · answer #7 · answered by chasen54 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be because their molecular composition is not is any countiget.
2007-09-16 05:31:02 · answer #8 · answered by quasar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋