Why does potassium react more readily in water than sodium?

Both potassium and sodium are in the same group on the periodic table, but have a different atomic structure. Sodium has three outer electron rings, while potassium has 4. Both atoms only have one electron on the outermost ring. However, as potassium has one extra ring in between the nucleus and outer ring and the distance to the outer electron is greater, the force that the nucleus exerts on the outermost electron is smaller.This outer electron is therefore lost more easily in potassium (can be quantified in the value of 1st ionisation energy - energy needed to remove the first electron from the outer shell).

YG
Answered by Yvonne G. Chemistry tutor

11646 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

Hydrogen bromide forms a strong acid when dissolved in water whereas hydrogen fluoride forms a weak acid. Distinguish between the terms strong acid and weak acid. State equations to describe the dissociation of each acid in aqueous solution. [3]


Is breaking bonds endothermic or exothermic?


In the addition of hydrogen bromide to propene, consider which of the two possible products, 1-bromopropane and 2-bromopropane, will be the major product and why.


Explain the general trend in first ionisation energy across period 2 in the periodic table.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences