Question #40783
Which of the following atoms is the least chemically stable
a) A sodium atom
b) A magnesium atom
c) A aluminium atom
d) A helium atom
a) A sodium atom
b) A magnesium atom
c) A aluminium atom
d) A helium atom
Expert's answer
Question #40783, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Question
Which of the following atoms is the least chemically stable
a) a sodium atom
b) a magnesium atom
c) an aluminium atom
d) a helium atom
Answer
a) A sodium atom is the least chemically stable, because it is highly reactive at standard temperature and pressure and readily loses its outermost electron to form cations with charge +1. E.g. it easily oxidized by air, react with water etc.
