The electronic configuration of lithium is 2,12, 12,1. The electronic configuration of sodium is 2,8,12, 8, 12,8,1. Lithium is less reactive than sodium. Explain, in terms of their electronic configurations, why lithium is less reactive than sodium.
75 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Chemistry 7.1 Group 1, covering 7.1.1 Classifying elements by group in the periodic table and 7.1.2 Properties and reactions of the alkali metals. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.