Question

The element magnesium and calcium have similar chemical properties.Explain why.

Answer 1

Magnesium and Calcium are both in Group 2 of the periodic table. This means that they have the same number of electrons on the outer shells. (2)

They have similar properties as elements in the same group has similar properties

Answer 2

Answer: This is so because, they have same number of valence electrons.

Explanation:

In a periodic table, elements are arranged in 18 vertical columns known as groups and 7 horizontal rows known as periods.

Elements arranged in a group show similar chemical properties because of the presence of same number of valence electrons.

We are given:

Magnesium is the 12th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration $1s^22s^22p^63s^2$

It has 2 valence electrons.

Calcium is the 20th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration $1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^64s^2$

It has 2 valence electrons.

Hence, this is so because, they have same number of valence electrons.