Questions: QUESTION 1 The chemical properties of an element depend strongly upon what? - the mass number of the element - the number of neutrons in its nucleus - the atomic number of the element - the number of protons in its nucleus - the arrangement of its electrons

Solution Steps

Chemical properties of an element are determined by how it interacts with other substances. These interactions are primarily governed by the element's electrons, particularly those in the outermost shell, known as valence electrons.

• Mass number of the element: This is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, which affects the element's isotopic identity but not its chemical properties.
• Number of neutrons in its nucleus: Neutrons contribute to the mass and stability of the nucleus but do not directly affect chemical properties.
• Atomic number of the element: This is the number of protons in the nucleus, which defines the element and indirectly affects chemical properties by determining the number of electrons.
• Number of protons in its nucleus: This is the same as the atomic number and indirectly affects chemical properties.
• Arrangement of its electrons: The arrangement, especially the valence electrons, directly influences how an element reacts chemically.

The arrangement of electrons, particularly the valence electrons, is the most critical factor in determining the chemical properties of an element. This is because chemical reactions involve the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms.

Final Answer