Question
Which of these metals is the least reactive? potassium sodium calcium zinc
Answer
4.4
(344 Votes)
Fflur
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Zinc
Explanation
The reactivity of metals is inversely related to its position on the periodic table. As metals move down Group I (one) to Group VII (seven), they become more reactive. This is because elements in Group I will lose 1e in their standards state to change to a positive charge (cation). The valence electrons in Group VII elements would rather fill up vacancies then empty up vacancies. There is ionization energy needed to put forth an electron, that tendency to do so diminishes as you progress up and across the periodic table. Out of the metals given, potassium (K), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca) belong to Group I or II on the periodic table, and are therefore more reactive. Zinc (Zn), on the other hand, is a transition metal. Transition metals are generally less reactive than Group I and II metals. Therefore, out of the given options, zinc would be the least reactive.