Reactive
Tending to undergo a chemical reaction, or responding to a stimulus.
In chemistry, 'reactive' describes a substance's propensity to participate in chemical changes, often indicating instability or a strong desire to form new bonds.
Word relationships
- Volatile: Implies easily evaporated or explosive, often due to high reactivity.
- Unstable: Lacking stability, often leading to reactivity.
- Inert: Chemically unreactive; lacking the ability or strength to move.
- Stable: Not easily decomposed or changed chemically; resistant to change.
Word family
- react (verb): To act in response to something; to undergo a chemical change.
- reactivity (noun): The state or quality of being reactive.
- reaction (noun): A chemical change; a response to a stimulus.
Collocations
- highly reactive
- chemically reactive
- reactive oxygen species
- less reactive
Example sentences
- "Sodium is an extremely reactive metal that bursts into flame upon contact with water." Sodium is a very reactive metal.
- "Scientists are developing less reactive materials for medical implants to prevent adverse reactions in the body." The new drug was highly reactive.
Memory hook
Think of a 'reactive' substance as one that's ready to 're-act' or respond quickly in a chemical way. Ready to re-act
When not to use
Do not use 'reactive' to describe something that is merely responsive or quick to act without the implication of chemical change or a strong tendency towards it.
Fun facts
- The reactivity of an element is largely determined by its electron configuration, especially the number of valence electrons.
- Noble gases like Helium and Neon are known for being highly unreactive, or 'inert,' due to their stable electron shells.
Explore more words
adaptive, impulsive, strategic, damage control, Countermeasure, passivity
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