everyday science MCQ #48833

Compared with lithium in the same group why does potassium often react more violently with cold water in classroom demos?

everyday science MCQ #48833

  1. Question 1

    Q1. Compared with lithium in the same group why does potassium often react more violently with cold water in classroom demos?

    • A) Potassium has more electron shells so its outer electron is farther from the nucleus and easier to remove
    • B) Potassium has fewer electron shells so its nucleus pulls harder on all electrons equally
    • C) Potassium is a transition metal so it cannot lose electrons easily
    • D) Potassium is in Period 2 so it should be less reactive than lithium

    Answer: Potassium has more electron shells so its outer electron is farther from the nucleus and easier to remove

    Explanation: Potassium (K) is in Period 4, giving it more electron shells than lithium (Li) in Period 2, which places the outermost valence electron much farther from the nucleus and more shielded from its attractive pull, making it easier to remove.