Moving from the element with atomic number 10 to atomic number 11 on the periodic table, there is a change in reactivity. In three to five sentences, identify the direction of the change, and give two reasons for the change.(4 points)

Answer 1

Moving from the element with atomic number 10 (Neon) to atomic number 11 (Sodium) on the periodic table, there is an increase in reactivity. The change in reactivity is from being inert (non-reactive) to being highly reactive. Two reasons for this change are the increase in the number of valence electrons and the decrease in electronegativity. Neon has a full outer electron shell, making it stable and unreactive. On the other hand, Sodium has only one valence electron, which makes it highly reactive, as it tends to lose this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Additionally, Neon has a higher electronegativity than Sodium, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly and is less likely to lose or gain electrons compared to Sodium.