Question

If the electronic configuration of metal A is (2, 8, 1) and that of metal B is (2, 8, 2) then:

a. Which metal is less reactive?

b. Write the names of the two metals.

c. Write the balanced chemical equation of the reaction of anyone metal with hydrochloric acid.

Answer 1

a. Metal B is less reactive. 

b. Metal A is sodium & Metal B is magnesium. 

c. \[\ce{Mg_{(s)} + 2HCI_{(aq)}-> MgCI2_{(aq)} + H2_{(g)}}\]