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Q.Why sodium is less reactive in the comparison of potassium?

Bihar BsebBihar Board Intermediate 1st Year 2022Subjective· 2mImportance★★★★★
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K is larger with lower ionisation enthalpy, so it loses its valence electron more easily; hence Na is less reactive than K.

From NCERT Class 11 Chemistry (s-Block Elements):

The chemical reactivity of alkali metals depends on how easily they lose their single valence electron, i.e. on their ionisation enthalpy.

Going down Group 1 from Na to K:

  • Atomic size increases (K has an extra shell).
  • The valence electron is farther from the nucleus and more shielded.
  • Ionisation enthalpy decreases (K: ~419 kJ/mol < Na: ~496 kJ/mol). …

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