4. predict: what would make an element more reactive than another element. include a discussion about…

Brief Explanations:

The reactivity of an element is influenced by valence electrons (ease of losing, gaining or sharing them), electronegativity (ability to attract electrons in a bond) and effective nuclear charge (net positive charge experienced by outer - shell electrons). Elements with fewer valence electrons (metals) tend to lose them easily and are more reactive. Higher electronegativity in non - metals makes them more reactive as they can attract electrons. A higher effective nuclear charge can also increase reactivity by pulling electrons in more tightly and making them more likely to participate in chemical reactions.

Answer:

Elements with a small number of valence electrons (for metals), high electronegativity (for non - metals), and a relatively high effective nuclear charge are more reactive. For example, alkali metals have 1 valence electron and are highly reactive as they easily lose this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Halogens have high electronegativity and are very reactive non - metals as they want to gain 1 electron to complete their outer shell.