Question

An element Barium has atomic number 56. Look up its position in the periodic table and answer the following questions.
(ii) Is it more or less reactive than calcium?

Answer 1

The element $Ba\left(56\right)$ belongs to group 2 which is known as alkaline earth metal.

• The chemical reactivity increases down the group.
• Since $Ba$ is placed below calcium. It has a large size, and its outermost electrons are weakly bound.
• $Ba$ being a group 2 element has 2 valence electrons. It readily loses its 2 valence electrons and forms a positive ion to gain stability.

Thus, it will lose its outermost electrons more rapidly as compared to calcium to attain a stable configuration. Therefore, $Ba$ is more reactive than calcium.