Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

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

Answer

Calcium is less reactive than Potassium due to its higher ionization energy.

Work Step by Step

Potassium has a lower effective nuclear charge than Calcium, which results in it having a lower ionization energy. Additionally, Potassium, unlike Calcium, can have the stable, full valence shell if it loses one electron. Furthermore, Potassium is far more reactive than Calcium because Potassium can gain a full valence shell through losing an electron, making it extremely volatile.
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