Atomic structure
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What subatomic particle plays the biggest role in determining the physical characeristics of an element?
Ulex writes …
I think the electron plays the biggest role because electrons are on the outside of atoms, and are therefore going to interact most readily with the electrons of other atoms.
The physical properties of an element are determined by the way in which the atoms of that element are connected to each other. If you think of metals, for example – their appearance, electrical conductivity, melting and boiling points and even density are all determined by the peculiar way in which the atoms share electrons. About three-quarters of the elements are metals. With the non-metals, physical properties are dominated by covalent bonding. If this happens in such a way as to produce a network, as in carbon and silicon, a solid results. If small molecules are energetically favoured, gases and liquids are more likely to result.
It is no paradox to assert that the physical properties of an element are determined largely by chemical bonding.
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I do not agree with the Ulex. Electronic structures do play a big role in determining the chemical properties of the elements and the way that atoms bond together. However chemists should bear in mind that the nucleus, which remains 'in silence' during reactions, becomes active when it comes to the physical properties of the elements.
One of the drastic examples in this regard is the radioactive elements. Solely due to their imbalance of neutrons and protons these elements are unable to keep their atomic nucleus intact. They disintegrate and give rise to other elements. I think that it is the nucleus which plays major role in describing the physical properties of elements.
Muhammad Nadeem Asghar 19 September 2003
updated: 21 August 2003
