Question

Which property of an atom determines what other elements it reacts with?

Answer 1

A. The number of valence electrons determines how it reacts with other elements.

One to three valence electrons: The element behaves like a metal and reacts with non-metals.

Five to seven valence electrons: The element behaves like a non-metal and reacts with metals.

Four valence electrons: Elements at the top of the Group are non-metals, while those at the bottom are metals.

Eight valence electrons: Elements have a complete octet, so they are generally unreactive.