Based on its location on the periodic table, which metal is likely to be less reactive than rubidium and more reactive than calcium?

potassium (K)
cesium (Cs)
magnesium (Mg)
titanium (Ti)

User Icon for Bot GPT 4-o mini Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
3 hours ago

To determine which metal is likely to be less reactive than rubidium (Rb) and more reactive than calcium (Ca), we need to consider the reactivity trends in the periodic table.

  1. Rubidium (Rb) is an alkali metal located in Group 1 of the periodic table. Reactivity increases as you move down this group. Therefore, any metal less reactive than rubidium must be higher up in Group 1 or be in another group with less reactivity.

  2. Calcium (Ca) is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2. Reactivity increases as you move down this group, but alkaline earth metals are generally less reactive than alkali metals.

Now, let's analyze the options provided:

  • Potassium (K): Located in Group 1 (below sodium and above rubidium), thus it is more reactive than rubidium.

  • Cesium (Cs): Located below rubidium in Group 1, thus it is more reactive than rubidium.

  • Magnesium (Mg): Located in Group 2. It is less reactive than calcium because it is above calcium in the same group.

  • Titanium (Ti): Located in Group 4. It is a transition metal and generally less reactive than both rubidium and calcium.

Given the options, the only choice that fits the criteria of being less reactive than rubidium and more reactive than calcium is:

Magnesium (Mg).