Question

Which of the following is true for magnesium ?

• A. It is more electropositive than sodium
• B. Magnesium react vigorously with water
• C. It is a strong reducing agent
• D. It resembles, in chemical properties, with its diagonally placed element Boron in 13 group of the Periodic Table.

Answer 1

The correct option is C It is a strong reducing agent

Across the period, the nuclear charge increases which held the electrons firmly with the nucleus. Hence it is difficult to remove an electron across the period. Therefore, Sodium is more electropositive than magnesium.

Even though it is less electropositive tha sodium it act as a strong reducing agent by donating it valence electrons.

Mg resembles in chemical properties, with its diagonally placed lithium in 1 group of the periodic table because they have a similar size. Hence Mg and Li are covalent in nature due to their smaller size, they react slowly with water.
So the correct option is (c)