Question

What property of an element determines its chemical behaviour?

• A. Size of an element
• B. Valency of an element
• C. Molar mass of the element
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Valency of an element

Explanation for the correct option:

(B) Valency of an element

• The chemical behaviour of an element can be determined on the basis of its electronic configuration.
• The valency of an element is determined by its electronic configuration.
• Therefore, the chemical behaviour of an element is determined by its valency.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) Size of an element

• The size of an element depends upon the effective nuclear charge.
• It does not determine the chemical behaviour of an element.

(C) Molar mass of the element

• The molar mass is similar to the atomic mass with the only difference in the unit.
• It depends upon the number of protons and neutrons of the element.
• Thus, it does not determine the chemical behaviour of an element.

Hence, option (B) is correct. The valency of an element determines its chemical behaviour.