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Multiple Choice
Which element has chemical properties most similar to sodium?
A
Calcium
B
Magnesium
C
Aluminum
D
Potassium
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the position of sodium (Na) in the periodic table. Sodium is in Group 1 (alkali metals) and Period 3.
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 for the element among the options that is in the same group as sodium. Potassium (K) is in Group 1, just below sodium in Period 4.
Understand that calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are in Group 2 (alkaline earth metals), and aluminum (Al) is in Group 13, so their chemical properties differ from sodium's.
Conclude that potassium, being in the same group as sodium, has chemical properties most similar to sodium due to having the same number of valence electrons.