The electronic configuration of metal ‘A’ is 2,8,1 and that of metal ‘B’ is 2,8,8,2. Which of the two metals is more reactive? Write their reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Answer:
From the configuration,
Metal A is Sodium or Na-2,8,1
Metal B is Calcium or Ca-2,8,8,1
Metal A i.e Sodium is more reactive than Calcium. Sodium metal reactive than calcium and it even reacts when kept open in the air.
Reaction With dil.HCl:
Sodium reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid to form sodium chlorides and hydrogen.
Calcium reacts less vigorously to form calcium chloride and hydrogen gas.