Moving from element with atomic number 10 to atomic number 11 on the periodic table there is a change in reactivity in three to five sentences identify the direction of change and give two reasons for the change
Moving from an element with atomic number 10 (neon) to atomic number 11 (sodium) on the periodic table, there is a significant change in reactivity. The reactivity increases as we move to sodium.
Two reasons for this change are:
1. Electron Configuration: Sodium has one more electron in its outermost energy level compared to neon. Neon has a complete outer shell, with eight electrons, making it stable and unreactive. However, sodium has one electron in its outermost shell, making it more likely to lose that electron in chemical reactions, thus increasing its reactivity.
2. Atomic Radius: Moving across a period on the periodic table, the atomic radius typically decreases. Sodium has a larger atomic radius compared to neon. The larger atomic radius of sodium means that its outermost electrons are farther away from the nucleus, and hence, are less tightly held. This makes it easier for sodium to lose an electron and become more reactive compared to neon.