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Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements has chemical properties most similar to K (potassium)?
A
Ca (calcium)
B
Na (sodium)
C
Al (aluminum)
D
Mg (magnesium)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the position of potassium (K) on the periodic table. Potassium is an alkali metal located in Group 1.
Recall that elements in the same group (vertical column) of the periodic table have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.
Look at the given options and determine which element is in the same group as potassium. Sodium (Na) is also in Group 1, while calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), and magnesium (Mg) are in different groups.
Understand that since sodium (Na) and potassium (K) both have one valence electron, they exhibit similar chemical behavior, such as forming +1 ions and reacting similarly with water and halogens.
Conclude that sodium (Na) has chemical properties most similar to potassium (K) because they belong to the same group and share the same valence electron configuration.