Q7
Na, Mg and Al are the elements of the same period of Modem Periodic Table having one, two and three valence electrons respectively. Which of these elements (i) has the largest atomic radius, (ii) is least reactive? Justify your answer stating reason for each case.
Solution
Valence Electrons Na: 1, Mg: 2, Al: 3
i. Because the size of the atom shrinks as one moves from left to right in the periodic table, Na has the biggest atomic radius. This is due to an increase in positive charge on the nucleus, which pushes the outermost electrons in closer to the nucleus, reducing the size of the atom.
ii. Because the nuclear charge increases as you move from left to right in the periodic table, the valence electrons are drawn in closer to the nucleus, making Al the least reactive element.