Question

Which of the following statements best explains why elements in the same family of the periodic table have similar bonding properties?
A- The elements have similar atomic sizes
B- The elements have similar atomic masses
C- The elements have similar number of protons
D-The elements have the same number of valence electrons

Answer 1

Answer: D. The elements have the same number of valence electrons

Explanation: The chemical reactivity of elements is governed by the valence electrons present in the element.

The elements present in the same group or vertical column have similar valence configurations and thus behave similarly in chemical reactions or have similar bonding properties.

For Example: Both fluorine and chlorine belong to same family or group and both have 7 electrons in their valence shell and thus accept single electron to attain noble gas configuration.

$F:9:1s^22s^22p^5$

$F^-:10: 1s^22s^22p^6$

$Cl:17:1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^5$

$Cl^-:18:1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^6$

thus both would bond with a cation bearing a single positive charge.