This is because Rubidium’s outer single electron is further away from its nucleus compared to potassium. Explain why potassium is more reactive than sodium, giving the balanced chemical symbol equation for the reaction of potassium and water. Mantles for gas lanterns contain thorium, because it forms an oxide that can survive being heated to incandescence for long periods of time. Sodium and Potassium are naturally occurring alkaline metals that show many similarities in their behaviors. Chemistry, 21.06.2019 21:20. A bigger explosion does not always mean more reactive, sodium explodes more violently with water than caesium but caesium is more reactive. Explaining the trend in reactivity Rb(s) + O 2 (g) → RbO 2 (s) Reaction of rubidium with water. Caesium hydroxide and hydrogen are formed. Therefore, the outer shell electron in Na experiences a weaker nuclear attraction than in Li. Click to see full answer. This is due to increase in atomic size and less nuclear charge.The atomic radius of potassium is bigger than sodium. It is the second most electropositive of the stable alkali metals and melts at a temperature of 39.3 °C (102.7 °F). The atomic radius of potassium is greater than that of sodium. The explanation for this is that rubidium has its single electron farther from the nucleus, where it is more easily removed. Include the phase of each species. As a result, less energy is required to remove the outer electron of potassium and so it is more reactive. Learn about and revise the alkali metals in group 1 of the periodic table with this BBC Bitesize GCSE Combined Science (Edexcel) study guide. Both ions are highly reactive and easily dissolve in water which is why both are found more in seawater than on land. Answers: 3 Show answers Another question on Chemistry. Rubidium and caesium have even more screening shells, which is why they're even more reactive (francium would presumably be more reactive still if it … The Group 1 metals become more reactive towards water as you go down the Group. Both sodium and potassium ions are essential for all life forms. Uncategorized. The ball leaves a white trail of sodium hydroxide, which soon dissolves to give a colorless solution of sodium hydroxide. This makes Francium the most reactive, followed by cesium, rubidium, potassium, sodium and lithium. (b) Sodium hydride (NaH) is an ionic compound. As the most electronegative element, it is extremely reactive, as it reacts with all other elements, except for argon, neon, and helium.. Therefore, the single valence electron that exists for all alkali metals is located farther from the nucleus for potassium than sodium. This makes Francium the most reactive, followed by cesium, rubidium, potassium, sodium and lithium. It's not. This preview shows page 9 - 11 out of 11 pages. However, rubidium is … Francium is almost non-existent in nature so cesium is the most reactive … (4 marks) Na has more electron shells/ energy levels than Li. Rubidium is a very soft, ductile, silvery-white metal. "logo": { than rubidium, and rubidium more than potassium, etc. Both Na and K have 1 electron in their outer shell. Rubidium's outer electron is further from the nucleus than potassium's, making it easier to give away to a reactant than potassium. It has a small ionisation energy. Sodium metal is more reactive than magnesium metal because it is easier to lose electron from the 3s orbital of sodium atom than that of magnesium. This means that Na has a greater atomic radius than Li. Sodium has one valence electron that is shielded (in proportion to the nuclear charge) but it is quite stable in isolation. Why is sodium more reactive than magnesium. b) Rubidium metal is more reactive with water than sodium metal. Cesium has a lower ionization energy than sodium, and therefore more easily donates its electrons. Rubidium hydroxide solution and hydrogen are formed. Formula Equation: 2 Rb (s) + 2 H 2 O (l) → 2 RbOH (aq) + H 2 (g) Word Equation: Rubidium + Water → Rubidium hydroxide + Hydrogen. It is the lightest halogen and exists at standard conditions as a highly toxic, pale yellow diatomic gas. Caesium. chlorine is more reactive than iodine (and displaces it from solution) / OWTTE; Allow correct equation (KI + Cl 2 \( \to \) KCl + I 2) for second mark or stating that iodine/I 2 is formed. Potassium is placed one period below sodium in period 4. (ii) no colour change/nothing happens as fluorine is more reactive than chlorine / OWTTE; Why does Potassium react more Violently than sodium in terms of electrons ??