Looking at the same nonmetal group on the periodic table, how does the reactivity of an element in period 2 compare to the reactivity of an element in period 4? the period 2 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when there are fewer neutrons interfering. the period 2 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when electrons are attracted to a closer electron shell. the period 4 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when there are more neutrons . the period 4 element would be more reactive because the attractive force of protons is stronger when electrons are attracted to a farther electron shell.