what chemical characteric of a substance that allows it to oxidize rapidly

Usually the material has one or two electrons in the outer shell and the ionization potential is low.

To determine the chemical characteristic of a substance that allows it to oxidize rapidly, you need to look at its electron configuration and ionization potential.

1. Electron Configuration: The substance should have one or two electrons in its outermost shell. These electrons are typically easier to remove because they are farther from the nucleus and less strongly attracted, making them more susceptible to oxidation.

2. Ionization Potential: The ionization potential of the substance should be low. This refers to the amount of energy required to remove an electron from the atom or molecule. If the ionization potential is low, it means that the substance requires less energy to lose an electron, making it more prone to oxidation.

By considering both the electron configuration and ionization potential, you can identify substances with high reactivity and a strong tendency to oxidize rapidly.