The number of electrons in an element's valence shell determines its reactivity and other chemical properties. A valence shell is the outermost electron shell of an atom. If the valence shell is full, the atom is stable and less likely to participate in chemical reactions. However, if the valence shell is not full, the atom is reactive and tends to react with other atoms to achieve a full valence shell.
The reactivity and chemical properties of an element are influenced by the number of electrons in its outermost valence shell. Atoms with full valence shells are stable and unreactive, while those with incomplete shells are more reactive. Elements in the same group in the periodic table exhibit similar chemical behaviors due to having the same number of valence electrons.
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