Question

Why does the reactivity of metals increase and that of non metals decreases as we move down the group

Answer 1

in case of metals there is an increment in size on going down the group as they can easily lose their valence electron from its valence shell so the reactivity of metals increases on going down the group but in case of non metals the increment in size tends to reduce the capability of accepting electron this is because on going down the group shielding effect increases and effective nuclear charge decreases therefore tendency to gain electrons which is the reactivity of nonmetals decreases down the group

Answer 2

⚪ The electron shells between the outer electrons and the nucleus have a 'shielding' effect reduces the attraction of the outer electrons to the nucleus ⚪