EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The correct answer is the number of electrons in the outermost shell of the element. The chemical properties of an element depend on the number and the configuration of its valence electrons.

Detailed explanation-2: -The number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom determines its reactivity.

Detailed explanation-3: -The chemical properties of an element are determined by the number of electrons in its atom, which in turn is determined by the number of protons.

Detailed explanation-4: -Neutrons give mass (weight) to the atom but do not participate in chemical reactions. 2) Protons: Protons are positively charged particles that are also found in the nucleus. Like neutrons, protons give mass to the atom but do not participate in chemical reactions.

Detailed explanation-5: -The number of neutrons in a nucleus affects the mass of the atom but not its chemical properties. Thus, a nucleus with six protons and six neutrons will have the same chemical properties as a nucleus with six protons and eight neutrons, although the two masses will be different.