Which element pairings are likely to react with each other.

Ba and Y

Ba and Cl

Ba and Y are unlikely to react with each other because they are both metals and do not have a significant difference in electronegativity.

On the other hand, Ba and Cl are likely to react with each other because Ba is a metal and Cl is a nonmetal. Metals tend to lose electrons to become positively charged ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to become negatively charged ions. Thus, Ba can react with Cl by transferring an electron from Ba to Cl to form the ionic compound BaCl2.

Ba and Y are unlikely to react with each other because they belong to different groups in the periodic table. Ba belongs to Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) and Y belongs to Group 3 (transition metals). The elements in different groups tend to have different reactivity, so they are less likely to form compounds with each other.

On the other hand, Ba and Cl are likely to react with each other. Ba belongs to Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) and Cl belongs to Group 17 (halogens). Elements in Group 2 readily lose 2 electrons to form a +2 cation, while elements in Group 17 readily gain 1 electron to form a -1 anion. So, Ba can give away 2 electrons to Cl, resulting in the formation of the compound BaCl2.

To determine which element pairings are likely to react with each other, we can consult the periodic table and consider a few factors. Two important factors to consider are the electronegativity difference between the elements and their position in the periodic table.

1. Electronegativity Difference:
Elements that have a large electronegativity difference are more likely to react with each other. Electronegativity is a measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons in a chemical bond. If the electronegativity difference is significant, the bond formed between the elements will be more ionic in nature, resulting in a stronger tendency for a reaction.

2. Position in the Periodic Table:
Elements that are close to each other in the periodic table are more likely to react with each other. This is because they often have similar chemical properties and can easily share or exchange electrons.

Considering the elements given:

1. Ba (Barium) and Y (Yttrium):
Both Barium and Yttrium are metals, and they are relatively close to each other in the periodic table. However, their electronegativity difference is not significant. Therefore, Ba and Y are less likely to react with each other.

2. Ba (Barium) and Cl (Chlorine):
Barium is a metal, while chlorine is a nonmetal. Furthermore, chlorine is highly electronegative compared to barium. This significant electronegativity difference indicates that Ba and Cl are likely to react with each other. The reaction between barium and chlorine would result in the formation of barium chloride.

In summary, Ba and Cl are more likely to react with each other compared to Ba and Y. Always consider the electronegativity difference and the position of elements in the periodic table to help predict their reactivity with each other.