Below are the Bohr diagrams for ca and mg. using your evidence and the Bohr diagrams come up with a reason that supports your claim as to which one is more reactive.
The reactivity of elements is often influenced by the arrangement of electrons in their outermost energy level, known as the valence shell. Elements with similar electron configurations tend to exhibit similar chemical behavior.
- Calcium has 8 electrons in its valence shell (M shell).
- Magnesium has 2 electrons in its valence shell (M shell).
Elements with fewer electrons in their outermost shell generally have a higher reactivity because they are more likely to lose or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In this context, magnesium has a more reactive configuration compared to calcium.
So, Magnesium, with only two electrons in its valence shell, tends to readily lose these electrons to achieve a stable configuration. Calcium, with a full valence shell (8 electrons), is less likely to lose or gain electrons.