8(iii)
Given below are a few elements.
$\boxed{\text{Li},\quad\text{K},\quad\text{Ca},\quad\text{F}}$
Identify the element which:
(a) has the least atomic radius.
(b) has two valence electrons.
(c) is the most electropositive.
Show SolutionHide Solution↓
(a) Fluorine (F)
(b) Calcium (Ca)
(c) Potassium (K)
Explanation
(a) Fluorine (F) has the least atomic radius. It is on the rightmost side of period 2, where atomic radius is minimum.
(b) Calcium (Ca) has two valence electrons (electronic configuration: 2, 8, 8, 2). It belongs to Group 2 of the periodic table.
(c) Potassium (K) is the most electropositive. Within Group 1, electropositive character increases down the group; potassium is below lithium and hence is more electropositive.