Definition

The ability of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction or respond to a stimulus.

Example

The reactivity of sodium with water is well known in chemistry.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how chemical reactivity affects everyday products?

Yeah, it’s interesting how some things can change so quickly when mixed together.

Exactly! I read that some materials have high reactivity, while others are really stable.

Right, that’s why it’s important to know what you’re working with in the lab.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reactivity → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again or back) and "act" (from Latin "agere", meaning to do or act) and the suffix "-ivity" (meaning the quality of). The word "reactivity" refers to the quality of responding or acting back in response to a stimulus.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acting back' ('re-' means again and 'act' means to do) when you hear 'reactivity', which describes how something responds to changes.

Visually Confused Words