Predicting the properties of francium
2 marks · EasyFrancium is predicted to react very violently with water. Explain using trends in Group 1 why francium is expected to be even more reactive than caesium.
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Francium is more reactive than caesium because its outer electron is further from the nucleus, so it is lost more easily.
Must show: Reactivity increases down the group, Outer electron further from nucleus, Electron lost more easily
Also accept: More shielding, weaker attraction; Less energy needed to remove the outer electron
Common mistakes: Stating francium is less reactive
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States reactivity increases down Group 1 or that francium is more reactive than caesium.
M1 · 1 mark · Mentions that the outer electron is further from the nucleus / more shielding, so lost more easily.
Worked solution
Reactivity in Group 1 increases as you go down the group.
Francium's outer electron is further from the nucleus than in caesium due to an extra shell, so the electron is lost more easily.