Question

Which of the following elements most readily accepts electrons? A. silicon B. chlorine C. sulfur D. phosphorus

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is Option B.

Explanation:

Chemical reactivity is defined as the tendency of an element to loose of gain electrons.

Non-metals are the elements which gains electrons and hence, their chemical reactivity will be the tendency to loose electrons.

Their chemical reactivity increases as we move from left to right in a period because the valence shell come closer to nucleus as we move from left to right. So, addition of new electron in the valence shell becomes easier due to greater attraction between nucleus and valence electron.

For the given options:

Option A: Silicon

This element lies in Group 14 and Period 3.

Option B: Chlorine

This element lies in Group 17 and Period 3.

Option C: Sulfur

This element lies in Group 16 and Period 3.

Option D: Phosphorus

This element lies in Group 15 and Period 3.

Hence, chlorine will readily accept electrons due to its position in the periodic table.