Chapter 28, Problem 16Q

To determine

ToDetermine:

The similarity in chemical properties of Potassium and Sodium.

Answer to Problem 16Q

Solution:

This is because of similar electronic configurations of both Sodium and Potassium.

Explanation of Solution

$\begin{array}{l}Na\to [Ne]3s^1\\ K\to [Ar]4s^1\end{array}$

The chemical properties of an element are primarily a function of its electronic configuration. Sodium and Potassium are both univalent metals, as they have one electron in the outermost shells. This implies that both are:

1. Univalent cations.

2. Noble gas configuration after losing one electron.

Therefore, their properties are very similar.