What does it mean to say that some elements are reactive and form ions easily whereas others do not?

Question

australopithecus · Answer

This is an oddly stated question, chemical reactivity of a compound or atom has to do with the ability of its electrons to interact with other compounds or atoms.

australopithecus · Answer

Does that answer your question?

australopithecus · Answer

You might want to look into ionization energies though, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionization_energy there are tons of resources that can explain this. First ionization states have a lot to do with electronegativity and trends in the periodic table

australopithecus · Answer

Anyways, if you are still confused inform me what is bothering you and I will try to explain it better.

anonymous · Answer

Atoms except noble gases tend to form compounds.But less the no of e's easy the atom form a compound and become electronegative or electropositive  readily but some need external energy to form compounds.

anonymous · Answer

the external enegy is provided in the form of heat or a catylst

anonymous · Answer

you want detailed explanation

anonymous · Answer

ask me more if you want