Explaining the increase in reactivity
3 marks · Easy(a)
[2 marks]
Fill in the table below for the first three Group 1 metals.
| Metal | Electronic configuration |
|---|---|
| Lithium | |
| Sodium | |
| Potassium |
(b)[1 mark]
State which of these metals is most reactive.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Lithium: 2,1; Sodium: 2,8,1; Potassium: 2,8,8,1
(b) Potassium
Must show: 2,1, 2,8,1, 2,8,8,1
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly gives lithium's configuration as 2,1 and sodium's as 2,8,1.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly gives potassium's configuration as 2,8,8,1.
B3 (b) · 1 mark · States that potassium is most reactive.
Worked solution
| Metal | Electronic configuration |
|---|---|
| Lithium | 2,1 |
| Sodium | 2,8,1 |
| Potassium | 2,8,8,1 |
b) Potassium is the most reactive.