Which statement describes why sodium reacts more vigorously than magnesium to hydrochloric acid? Refer to the periodic table. Ci
rcle the letter of the correct answer. 1) Sodium has a smaller atomic radius than magnesium.
2)Sodium has a lower ionization energy than magnesium.
3)Magnesium has a lower ionization energy than sodium.
Sodium has a lower ionization energy than magnesium describes why sodium reacts vigorously than magnesium chloride.
<h3>Why is sodium more reactive than magnesium?</h3>
Sodium is more reactive than magnesium because it has the ability to easily lose electron, hence have lower ionization energy.
Sodium belong to group one on the periodic table and they are called akali metal while magnesium belong to group two on the periodic table and they are called alkali Earth metal.
Sodium and magnesium belong to the in the 3rd period. Iin the outermost energy level sodium has one electron but magnesium has 2 electrons. Therefore, there is more attraction abetween the nucleus and electrons in magnesium than that of sodium.
Therefore, sodium is more reactive than magnesium chloride because of lower ionization energy.
For more details on sodium reactivity, check the link below.
