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Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements has similar chemical properties to lithium?
A
Sodium
B
Helium
C
Aluminum
D
Magnesium
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that elements with similar chemical properties are typically found in the same group (column) of the periodic table because they have the same number of valence electrons.
Identify the group of lithium (Li) in the periodic table. Lithium is in Group 1, which is the alkali metals group.
Look at the options and determine which element is also in Group 1. Sodium (Na) is in Group 1, while helium (He) is a noble gas, aluminum (Al) is in Group 13, and magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2.
Since sodium and lithium are both alkali metals, they have similar chemical properties such as reacting vigorously with water and forming +1 ions.
Conclude that sodium is the element with chemical properties most similar to lithium because they share the same group and valence electron configuration.