Atoms of elements at the top of a group on the periodic table are smaller than the atoms of elements at the bottom of the group. how does this explain the difference in the reactivity of metals within a group?

Well formation of metallic bond depends on free electrons.smaal sized atoms hold their electrons more firmly as compared to large size atoms ,this z due to distance of outer shell electrons by nucleus..in this way no of free electrons affect strength of metallic bond..smaal sized atoms release less free electrons..

This is what i found on google “according to the collision theory, the following criteria must be met in order for a chemical reaction to occur: molecules must collide with sufficient energy, known as the activation energy, so that chemical bonds can break. molecules must collide with the proper orientation.” i hope this information you.