Elements are Likely to Exhibit Similar Properties If

Question

Elements are likely to exhibit similar properties if:
A)they have the same number of electrons in their innermost orbital
B)they have the same number of electrons in their outermost orbital
C)they have the same number of electrons in their innermost electron shell
D)they have the same number of electrons in their outermost electron shell

Accepted Answer

Elements with the same number of electrons in their outermost electron shell (also known as valence electrons) exhibit similar properties because they have similar reactivity in chemical reactions. These electrons are involved in the formation of chemical bonds, so elements with the same number of valence electrons tend to bond in similar ways.