To determine which element is the most reactive among the given options, we need to consider their positions in the periodic table. The reactivity of elements, particularly metals, typically depends on how easily they can lose their outer electrons. Here are the steps to solve the problem:
Understand the Group and Period Trends:
Reactivity of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals increases as we move down the group in the periodic table. This is because the atoms have more electron shells as we move down, so the valence electrons are farther from the nucleus and are lost more easily.
Identify the Elements:
Ca (Calcium): An alkaline earth metal, located in Group 2.
Mg (Magnesium): An alkaline earth metal, located in Group 2.
Sr (Strontium): An alkaline earth metal, located in Group 2.
K (Potassium): An alkali metal, located in Group 1.
Reactivity Comparison:
Group 1 metals (alkali metals) are generally more reactive than Group 2 metals (alkaline earth metals) due to having a single electron to lose, making them more prone to participating in chemical reactions.
Within Group 1, reactivity increases from top to bottom. Hence, for Group 1, potassium (K) is more reactive than any elements above it in its group.
Analyze the Reactivity:
K is in Group 1, while Ca, Mg, and Sr are in Group 2. Since K is an alkali metal, it is inherently more reactive than the alkaline earth metals.
Among the given options, Potassium (K) is the most reactive element.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is K because it is an alkali metal and the most reactive element among the given options.
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