Question

The chemistry of lithium is very similar to that of magnesium even though they are placed in different groups, because:

• A. both have nearly the same size.
• B. both are found together in nature.
• C. the ratio of their charge to size is nearly the same.
• D. both have similar electronic configuration.

Answer 1

The correct option is C the ratio of their charge to size is nearly the same.

Due to the same charge to size ratio, Li and Mg show similar chemical properties. This similarity in properties of the first element of a group with the diagonally placed element of the next group is known as the diagonal relationship.