The electronic configurations of beryllium and magnesium are:
When beryllium and magnesium react, they lose electrons to form positive ions with a 2+2+2+ charge.
Suggest an explanation, in terms of their electronic configurations, why magnesium is more reactive than beryllium.
80 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Chemistry 2.2 The periodic table, covering 2.2.1 Mendeleev's periodic table, 2.2.2 Periods, groups, metals and non-metals, and 2.2.3 Electronic configuration and position in the periodic table. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.