Why are Cl atoms more chemically active than Cl- ion?

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Chlorine (Cl) atoms are more chemically active than chloride ions (Cl-) because Cl- has a complete octet, making it stable and less likely to react. Similarly, sodium (Na) atoms are more reactive than sodium ions (Na+) due to Na+ also having a full valence shell, which reduces its tendency to participate in chemical reactions. The octet rule explains that atoms strive to achieve a stable electron configuration, prompting Cl and Na to react in order to complete their valence shells. This inherent drive for stability leads to higher reactivity in neutral atoms compared to their ionized forms. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of chemical reactivity.
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Hi , I have an other question , I know Its a stupid question to you brialliant ppl :shy:
but I hope I find the answer here

why are Cl atoms more chemically active than Cl- ion ?
and why are Na atoms more chemically active than Na+ ion ?


thanx
 
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The ions have closed shells. It is difficult to add or remove an electron, or even share one covalently.
 
thanx for ur reply Meir , but can u give me a more detailed answer
with some explanations
 
I am not a chemist. Ask on a chem forum or read a chem text.
 
ok thanks , give me alink that can help me , please
 
Suggestion to mentors: Possibly move to chemistry forums?

~H
 
think the octet rule, and read up on it.
 
ghallya said:
Hi , I have an other question , I know Its a stupid question to you brialliant ppl :shy:
but I hope I find the answer here

why are Cl atoms more chemically active than Cl- ion ?
and why are Na atoms more chemically active than Na+ ion ?


thanx
This results directly from the Octet rule. Write the electronic configurations of these atoms/ions - you will see that Cl- and Na+ have 8 electrons each in the valence shell. This is the magic number needed to maximize the stability of the atom/ion (ie : make the total potential energy of the system = sum of all electron-nucleus interaction energies + electron-electron interaction energies as negative as possible).
 
thhhhhhhanx very much Gokul43201

I really appreciate your help
 
  • #10
ghallya said:
Hi ,
why are Cl atoms more chemically active than Cl- ion ?
and why are Na atoms more chemically active than Na+ ion ?


thanx

Read Peter Atkins book The Periodic Kingdom http://tinyurl.com/ol6lq pages 171-173 for an explanation of the differences in reactivity of Na / Na+ and Cl/Cl-.
 
  • #11
thanx crabslover
I want you all to know , that our books or differnt than your books
and its written in the cover (not for sale in th US )
I don't know why , but we don't understand simple things because we are not that good in english but we are forced to study it to graduate
Im sorry if I was anoying
and thanks to all who helped us

Ghallya
 
  • #12
:rolleyes: :
ghallya said:
Hi , I have an other question , I know Its a stupid question to you brialliant ppl :shy:
but I hope I find the answer here

why are Cl atoms more chemically active than Cl- ion ?
and why are Na atoms more chemically active than Na+ ion ?


thanx


good qwestion!
i believe that cl atoms r reactive just bec. of their config. they want to complete their octet and gets converted into corrosponding ion,
same is the case with with na ,
na is just having a free electron in its valence shell,and it want to lose it to
get its octet completed
one more general reason is u can rember
every ion is having its partner to neutalize its charge
so does any bare atom,it become reactive and combine to have its valence electron shared or lost.
 
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