Question

Predict the reactivity of silicon in water relative to that of sodium, magnesium, and aluminium. Explain your answer. How does the reactivity of the halogens vary within its own group from top to bottom?

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanation

Explanation:

The reactivity of metals has a lot to do with their position in the electrochemical series. However, it is also known that metallic character decreases across the period. This implies that as we move from left to right along the periodic table. Sodium, magnesium, aluminum and silicon continues to decrease in metallic character. As a matter of fact, silicon is a metalloid and not a pure metal.

Sodium reacts with cold water to give a vigorous reaction,magnesium and aluminium reacts with steam at red heat.

Silicon does not react with water, even as steam, under normal conditions.