Which Element Is The Most Reactive?

A) Sodium

B) Nickel

C) Carbon

D) Oxygen

Correct Answer: A)

Sodium

Explanation:

Sodium(Na) belongs to Group 1 of alkali metals. These metals are known for being highly reactive, especially with oxygen and water. Among the ones listed, Sodium is the most reactive element to the point that just bringing it out in the air can cause it to react with oxygen. It also reacts with water to release hydrogen gas, combined with high heat that can ignite the gas itself.

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Why not the other options?

B) Nickel - Nickel is a transition element and is known for its resistance nature towards rusting. It is used in alloys to prevent oxidation and hence cannot be said to be highly reactive.
C) Carbon - Carbon is a non-metal element and is one of the building blocks of life. It is indeed reactive however, that is situational and depends on its form. For example, Carbon in its graphite form hardly even reacts.
D) Oxygen - Oxygen is indeed highly reactive. It supports combustion and generally forms oxides and is a strong oxidizer. However, compared to Sodium that actively reacts in most conditions, oxygen is less reactive.

FAQ’s

Q1: Why is sodium so reactive?

A: Sodium has one electron in its outer shell. It wants to lose that electron quickly to achieve a stable configuration (like noble gases). This makes it highly reactive, especially with water and oxygen, where it can easily gain the required electron.

Q2: What happens when sodium reacts with water?

A: Sodium reacts violently with water, producing:

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Hydrogen gas (H?). This reaction also releases heat, which in most cases ignites the hydrogen gas, causing a small explosion.

Q3: Is oxygen reactive, too?

A: Yes, oxygen is a highly reactive nonmetal, but in a different way. It acts as an oxidizing agent—it readily forms compounds (like rust or oxides). It is one of the most reactive elements however, it doesn't react as readily as sodium.

Q4: Why isn't carbon considered very reactive?

A: Carbon is relatively stable in most forms. Although it does participate in combustion reactions in coal and wood forms, which require heat as a catalyst. On the contrary,there are elements who react directly without any specific conditions. Hence, it's not considered very reactive.

Q5: What makes alkali metals (like sodium) more reactive than transition metals (like nickel)?

A: Alkali metals have only one valence electron, making them eager to lose it and form positive ions. Transition metals like nickel have more complex electron arrangements, which don’t lose electrons as easily, making them less reactive.

Q6: How do scientists measure reactivity?

A: Reactivity is measured through:

Reaction speed with water, oxygen, or acids
Heat and gas are released during reactions
Position on the reactivity series (for metals)

Q7: Where is sodium stored and why?

A: Sodium is commonly stored under oil or kerosene. As for the reason, its highly reactive nature means it will react even with the oxygen in the air.

Q8: Can reactivity be predicted from the periodic table?

A: Yes. Reactivity of:

Metals increase down a group (e.g., from lithium to cesium in Group 1)
Nonmetals increase up and across to the right (e.g., fluorine is the most reactive nonmetal)