What Determines Chemical Properties of Atoms? Consider the statement: “The chemical properties of atoms are determined by all the electrons and their complete configuration.” Is this statement accurate?

Introduction / Context:
Chemical behavior—bonding, valency, reactivity—is governed primarily by the electrons that participate in bonding. While every electron contributes to the overall potential felt by valence electrons, chemistry is dominated by the outermost shell. This item tests whether you distinguish the dominant role of valence electrons from that of inner-shell electrons.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Atoms have electrons arranged in shells and subshells.
• Valence electrons are in the highest occupied energy levels.
• Core electrons are tightly bound and usually non-bonding.

Concept / Approach:

Core (inner) electrons shield the nucleus and help set effective nuclear charge, indirectly affecting valence levels. However, chemical properties—such as the types of bonds formed, oxidation states, and coordination—are largely determined by valence electrons and their configurations (e.g., s, p, d participation). Hence, the statement attributing direct determination to “all electrons” is misleading; the essential determinant is the valence shell configuration.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

The periodic table’s periodicity (similar chemistry within a group) follows from similar valence-shell configurations, not identical inner shells, confirming the primacy of valence electrons.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “True” options ignore the centrality of valence configuration. Special classes like transition metals still rely on valence (including d-electrons), not all electrons.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing total electron count with valence electrons; assuming core electrons directly determine bond formation.

Final Answer:

False