Asked by tylen

Looking at the same nonmetal group on the periodic table, how does the reactivity of an element in period 2 compare to the reactivity of an element in period 4?

The period 2 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when there are fewer neutrons interfering.
The period 2 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when electrons are attracted to a closer electron shell.
The period 4 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when there are more neutrons helping.
The period 4 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when electrons are attracted to a farther electron shell.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
"The period 2 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when electrons are attracted to a closer electron shell."

Reason: nonmetals react by gaining electrons; a smaller atom (period 2) has valence electrons closer to the nucleus and experiences a stronger effective nuclear attraction (less shielding), so it more readily pulls in extra electrons than the larger period 4 atom.