Question

Highlight the similarities between Lithium and Magnesium

Answer 1

Diagonal relationship

• As per the arrangement of elements in our modern periodic table, the first element of one group has similar properties as the second element of the next group and this is called a diagonal relationship.
• Examples of the pairs showing the diagonal relationship are Lithium ($\mathrm{Li}$) and Magnesium ($\mathrm{Mg}$), Beryllium ($\mathrm{Be}$) and Aluminum ($\mathrm{Al}$), Boron ($\mathrm{B}$), and Silicon ($\mathrm{Si}$).

Similarities between Lithium and Magnesium

• Due to its small size Lithium differs from other alkali metals but resembles Magnesium, as its size is closer to Lithium and the diagonal relationship is formed due to the identical size of ions.
• Both Lithium and Magnesium are quite hard.
• The hydroxides of Lithium and Magnesium are weak bases and decompose on heating.
• Both these elements form nitrides in the reaction with nitrogen.
• These elements have covalent characters.
• Chlorides of both elements are soluble in Ethanol.
• The reaction of both Lithium and Magnesium in water is very slow.