Lithium and potassium are both elements in Group 1 (IA) and have the same electron configuration in the outer energy level,Both elements react vigorously with water but, Potassium reacts more violently than Lithium.
Why does Potassium react more violently than Litium reacts?
2006-12-07 12:42:42 · 2 answers · asked by cheez-it 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
More electrons.
2006-12-07 12:48:03 · answer #1 · answered by aSnxbByx113 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lone valence e- in K is farther from the nucleus (and feels less attraction to the positive nucleus) than the single valence e- in Li. Since it feels less attraction it is easily removed during a chemical reaction. This means the reaction proceeds faster and releases more heat. The H2 gas produced is ignited by the heat and will pop and burn with a characteristic "lavender" color for hydrogen.
2006-12-07 20:48:22 · answer #2 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋