Explain why sodium is more reactive than Lithium
Question
Explain why sodium is more reactive than Lithium
Solution
Sodium is more reactive than lithium because of its location on the periodic table. Both sodium and lithium are in the same group (Group 1: Alkali Metals) on the periodic table, which means they have similar properties. However, as you move down the group, the reactivity of the elements increases.
This increase in reactivity is due to the increase in atomic size. As you move down the group, the atomic radius (size) increases because there are more energy levels. This means the outermost electron is further from the nucleus and is therefore less tightly held by the positive charge of the nucleus.
In the case of sodium versus lithium, sodium has one more energy level than lithium. This means sodium's outermost electron is less tightly held by the nucleus than lithium's outermost electron. As a result, sodium can lose its outer electron more easily than lithium, making it more reactive.
In summary, sodium is more reactive than lithium because its outermost electron is less tightly held by the nucleus, making it easier for sodium to lose this electron and react with other substances.
Similar Questions
Which one of the following explains why lithium is less reactive than sodium?• The outer electron in sodium is closer to the nucleus and is shielded by fewer inner shells of electrons.• This means there is a stronger attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged outer electron.• This makes it harder for sodium to lose its outer electron compared to lithium.• The outer electron in lithium is closer to the nucleus and is shielded by fewer inner shells of electrons.• This means there is a stronger attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged outer electron.• This makes it harder for lithium to lose its outer electron compared to sodium.• The outer electron in lithium is further away from the nucleus and is shielded by more inner shells of electrons.• This means there is a weaker attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged outer electron.• This makes it easier for lithium to lose its outer electron compared to sodium.I DON'T KNOWSUBMIT ANSWER
Lithium and sodium undergo similar reactions.Which one of the following explains why lithium and sodium react similarly?Lithium and sodium both have the same atomic number. The atomic number determines how atoms will react.Lithium and sodium both have the same relative atomic mass. The relative atomic mass determines how atoms will react.Lithium and sodium both have 1 electron on their outer shell. The number of electrons on the outer shell determines how atoms will react.Lithium and sodium both have 1 proton on their outer shell. The number of protons on the outer shell determines how atoms will react.I DON'T KNOWSUBMIT ANSWER
Which one of the following explains why potassium is more reactive than lithium?• The outer electron in potassium is closer to the nucleus and is shielded by fewer inner shells of electrons.•This means there is a stronger attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged outer electron.•This makes it easier for potassium to lose its outer electron compared to lithium.• The outer electron in potassium is further away from the nucleus and is shielded by more inner shells of electrons.• This means there is a weaker attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged outer electron.• This makes it easier for potassium to lose its outer electron compared to lithium.• The outer electron in lithium is further away from the nucleus and is shielded by more inner shells of electrons.• This means there is a weaker attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged outer electron.• This makes it easier for lithium to lose its outer electron compared to potassium.
Lithium, sodium and potassium are all Group 1 elements. Determine which is the most reactive. LithiumSodiumPotassiumQuestion 10SavedExplain why you selected this element as the most reactive of the three. Try to use the terms trend, atomic radius and valence electron in your answer.
Which of the following is not true about lithium? Only one correct answerA.It is an alkali metalB.It can be cut with a knifeC.It has high melting point D.It has low density
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