Which of the following options represent correct decreasing order by which the metals: Na, Au, Cu and Mg will lose their lustre when exposed to air?
Na > Mg > Cu > Au
Metals on reaction with oxygen lose their lustre. Different metals react differently with oxygen.
Sodium will lose its lustre very fast because it is very reactive as compared to magnesium, copper and gold.
Magnesium is less reactive than sodium but more reactive than copper. So, it will lose its lustre faster than copper but slower than sodium.
However, gold possess very less reactivity and does not react with oxygen at all. Therefore, gold will not lose its lustre.
So, the correct decreasing order by which the metals: Na, Au, Cu and Mg will lose their lustre when exposed to air is Na > Mg > Cu > Au.