Question

question 16 (1 point)
which of the following electron configurations is most likely to result in an element that is relatively inactive?
o a a filled highest occupied principal energy level
o b a filled energy sublevel
o c a half - filled energy sublevel
o d one empty and one filled energy sublevel

question 17 (1 point)
which subatomic particle plays the greatest part in determining the properties of an element?
o a proton
o b electron
o c neutron
o d nucleus

question 18 (1 point)
which of the following elements is a transition metal?
o a cesium
o b tellurium
o c tin
o d copper

Explanation:

• Question 16: Elements with a filled highest occupied principal energy level (like noble gases) are relatively inactive as they have a stable electron configuration. A filled sublevel within a principal level may not be as stable as a completely filled highest - occupied principal level. A half - filled sublevel and having one empty and one filled sublevel are not as stable as a filled highest principal energy level.
• Question 17: Electrons are involved in chemical bonding and interactions. The number and arrangement of electrons (especially valence electrons) determine how an element reacts with other elements. Protons determine the identity of the element (atomic number), neutrons affect the mass and some nuclear properties, and the nucleus (protons + neutrons) is not directly involved in most chemical properties.
• Question 18: Transition metals are in the d - block of the periodic table. Cesium is an alkali metal (s - block), tellurium is a p - block element (metalloid), tin is a p - block metal (post - transition metal), and copper (\(Cu\)) is a d - block element (transition metal).

Answer:

• Question 16: A. a filled highest occupied principal energy level
• Question 17: B. electron
• Question 18: D. copper