Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are in the same group on the periodic table because they both belong to Group 1, also known as the alkali metals. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties due to their equivalent valence electron configuration.
Both sodium and potassium have one electron in their outermost shell (the valence shell). For sodium, the electron configuration is [Ne] 3s¹, and for potassium, it is [Ar] 4s¹. This single valence electron leads to similar chemical behaviors, such as:
- Reactivity: Both metals are highly reactive, especially with water, forming hydroxides and releasing hydrogen gas.
- Forming Ions: They readily lose their one valence electron to form positive ions (Na⁺ and K⁺) with a +1 charge, which is common for alkali metals.
- Trends in Properties: As you move down the group from sodium to potassium, you observe trends such as increasing atomic size and decreasing ionization energy.
Thus, both elements share fundamental characteristics due to their position in the same group of the periodic table, which is a reflection of their similar chemical behavior.
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