Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

by Brown, Theodore E.; LeMay, H. Eugene; Bursten, Bruce E.; Murphy, Catherine; Woodward, Patrick; Stoltzfus, Matthew E.

Published by Prentice Hall

ISBN 10: 0321910419

ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements - Exercises - Page 293: 7.67a

Answer

Calcium is more reactive than Magnesium due to its lower ionization energy.

Work Step by Step

Magnesium, which has fewer orbitals than Calcium, has a smaller atomic radius than Calcium. As a result, Magnesium's nucleus exerts a stronger pull on its valence electrons than Calcium exerts on its valence electrons. Because it is easier to remove electrons from Calcium due to its lower ionization energy, Calcium is going to be more reactive than Magnesium.

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