Question
Which element would have properties most like Ca (calcium)? A. Mg (magnesium) B. Na (sodium) C. Sc (scandium) D. K (potassium)
Answer
4.7
(232 Votes)
Ulric
Advanced · Tutor for 1 years
Answer
A.
(magnesium)
Explanation
The properties of elements are largely determined by their position in the periodic table. Elements in the same group (or column) of the periodic table have similar properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. Calcium (Ca) is in the second group of the periodic table, known as the Alkaline Earth Metals. Looking at the options given, magnesium (Mg) is also in the same group. Sodium (Na), scandium (Sc), and potassium (K) are in different groups, so they are less likely to have properties similar to calcium.Therefore, magnesium (Mg) is the element that would have properties most like calcium (Ca) among the given options.