Question

Based on the trends on the periodic table, predict what the reaction between rubidium and water and cesium and water will be. How will they be similar to sodium and potassium in water and how will they be different. Explain why you made this prediction

Answer 1

Rubidium and cesium will react vigorously with water, similar to sodium and potassium. They can even explode on contact with water due to their high reactivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the trends in the periodic table, we can predict that rubidium and cesium will react vigorously with water, similar to sodium and potassium. These alkali metals belong to Group 1 and have one electron in their outer shell, making them highly reactive. When they come into contact with water, they undergo a similar reaction, producing hydrogen gas and heat. However, rubidium and cesium are expected to have even more vigorous reactions and can even explode on contact with water.

This prediction is based on the observation that the reactivity of alkali metals increases as you move down the Group. This is because the outermost electron in the atoms of rubidium and cesium is farther away from the nucleus compared to sodium and potassium. As a result, there is less attraction between the electron and the nucleus, making it easier for the electron to be lost and the metal to react.