Question

Would rubidium be more or less reactive in water than sodium? Why?

a) More reactive because it has more valence electrons.
b) Less reactive because it has fewer valence electrons.
c) More reactive because it has fewer valence electrons.
d) Less reactive because it has more valence electrons.

Answer 1

Rubidium is more reactive in water than sodium because it has fewer valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rubidium (Rb) would be more reactive in water than sodium (Na).

This is because rubidium has fewer valence electrons compared to sodium. Rubidium has one valence electron in its outer shell, while sodium has one as well. The fewer valence electrons make it easier for rubidium to lose its electron and form a positive ion, which leads to a more reactive behavior in water.

On the other hand, sodium has a stronger attraction to its valence electron due to its lower atomic number and smaller size, making it slightly less reactive than rubidium in water.