Interpretation: To determine the reactivity of calcium and potassium atom.
Concept Introduction: The reactivity of an atom will be determined by the valence electrons. If the atom has one valence electron, then it will be highly reactive.
Calcium has 2 valence electrons whereas potassium has one valence electron. Potassium needs only one electron to lose to complete its octet that’s why potassium is more reactive than calcium.
The
The atomic number of calcium is 20 and its electronic configuration is
It can be seen that potassium has one valence electron. It needs to lose only one electron to complete its octet. On the other hand, calcium has 2 valence electrons it needs the removal of two electrons and requires more energy than potassium to have a stable configuration. Hence, potassium will be more stable than calcium.
Chapter EH Solutions
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