Which two elements most likely have similar properties?
(1 point)
Ca and Sc
O Li and Fr
OCs and Rn
Fand Ne
Ca and Sc
The elements that are most likely to have similar properties are F (fluorine) and Ne (neon).
To determine which two elements are most likely to have similar properties, we need to compare the arrangement of their electrons in the outermost energy level, also known as the valence electrons. Elements with the same number of valence electrons tend to exhibit similar chemical properties.
Let's analyze each pair of elements mentioned:
1. Ca (calcium) and Sc (scandium):
Calcium (Ca) is located in the second group (Group 2) of the periodic table, and it has 2 valence electrons: 2s^2. Scandium (Sc) is positioned in the third group (Group 3) and has 3 valence electrons: 3d^1 4s^2. These elements have different numbers of valence electrons, and their electron configurations differ significantly, so they are not likely to have similar properties.
2. O (oxygen) and Li (lithium), and Fr (francium):
Oxygen (O) is in Group 16 and has 6 valence electrons: 2s^2 2p^4. Lithium (Li) lies in Group 1 and has 1 valence electron: 2s^1. Francium (Fr) is an extremely rare and unstable element, positioned in Group 1, and also has 1 valence electron: 7s^1. Although both Li and Fr have 1 valence electron, their electron configurations and chemical behaviors may differ substantially from oxygen, so they are not likely to have similar properties.
3. OCs (oxygen and caesium) and Rn (radon):
The combination of OCs is incorrect since there is no such element combination. However, we can analyze oxygen (O) and caesium (Cs) individually. Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons (2s^2 2p^4), whereas caesium (Cs) has 1 valence electron (6s^1). Again, due to different electron configurations, these elements are not expected to have similar properties. As for radon (Rn), it falls within the noble gas Group 18, with a full outer energy level (8 valence electrons). It is highly unlikely to have similar properties to any of the mentioned elements.
4. F (fluorine) and Ne (neon):
Fluorine (F) is in Group 17 and has 7 valence electrons (2s^2 2p^5). Neon (Ne), on the other hand, is in Group 18 and has a full outer energy level with 8 valence electrons. Both elements have the same number of valence electrons and belong to the same group (halogens) of the periodic table, indicating that they possess similar chemical properties.
Therefore, the pair of elements with the most likely similar properties are F (fluorine) and Ne (neon).