An atom of sodium has the electronic configuration 2,8,1 2, 8, 1\,2,8,1 whereas an atom of potassium has the configuration 2,8,8,12, 8, 8, 12,8,8,1. When added to water, potassium reacts much more vigorously than sodium.
Explain, in terms of atomic structure and electronic configurations, why potassium is more reactive than sodium.
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Group 1 with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 51 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
