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ally922
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Of the following 6 metals (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Sn, Cu), which should be the most reactive toward oxygen? I don't understand how you determine this...what should I be looking at and/or calculating?
The reactivity of a metal to oxygen is primarily determined by its electronegativity and the energy required for its outermost electrons to be removed. Generally, metals with lower electronegativity and lower ionization energy (easier to lose electrons) will be more reactive to oxygen.
Cesium, with an electronegativity of 0.79, has the lowest electronegativity among the 6 metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium) and is known to be highly reactive to oxygen.
Yes, the size of the metal atom can also play a role in its reactivity to oxygen. Generally, larger atoms have a weaker hold on their outermost electrons, making them more easily reactive to oxygen.
No, not all metals are reactive to oxygen. Some metals, such as gold and platinum, have very low reactivity to oxygen and are considered to be "noble" metals.
We can predict the reactivity of a metal to oxygen by looking at its position on the periodic table. Metals in the first column (Group 1) and second column (Group 2) are generally more reactive to oxygen than those in the middle or right side of the table. Additionally, the position of the metal in its respective group can also give an indication of its reactivity, with elements at the top being more reactive than those at the bottom.