Question

Which of the following is most reactive metal?
A.Aluminum
B.Copper
C.Tin
D.Calcium

Answer 1

Hint:We are asked about the most reactive metal. This question is from the topic of periodic table. We will check the basic trends for reactivity in the periodic table and find out the answer for this question.

Complete answer:
In the periodic table we have many trends. Like on moving from left to right in a periodic table the atomic radius decreases and on moving down the group the atomic radius increases etc.
The atomic number of aluminum is 13. It is present in the 3rd period 3rd group.
The atomic number of copper is 29. It is present in the 4th period 11th group.
The atomic number of tin is 50. It is present in the 5th period 14th group.
The atomic number of calcium is 20. It is present in 4th period 2nd group.
On moving down the group metallic character and reactivity increases and on moving from left to right in the periodic table metallic character and reactivity decreases.
We will check the position of the elements relative to one another and find the answer. From the above trend tin is most metallic but as it is to the right side of the periodic table so calcium is the most metallic.
For reactivity we have the same trend. As calcium is towards the left of the table and also towards the lower side so the most reactive of the above metals is calcium.

So, the correct answer is D calcium.

Note:
For this chapter the trends of the periodic table are very important. Also we used the trends to find the answer of this particular question. It should be noted that the position of the elements should be found with respect to one another and find the answer.