Explain why Francium is the most reactive Group 1 element in terms of its electronic structure.

All group 1 elements have 1 electron in their outer shell, making this the electron that is involved in reactions. As you move down a group in the periodic table the number of shells increases, which means that the outer electron is further from the nucleus. As there are now more shells between the electron and the nucleus, the outer electron experiences more shielding and therefore less attraction to the nucleus. This means that the outer electron is more easily removed in Francium than other group 1 elements.

Answered by Jordan F. Chemistry tutor

20652 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does the reactivity of Group 1 Metals with water change down the group?


Ionic compounds have high melting points: Explain why and explain why Calcium Oxide has a higher melting point than Lithium Chloride


How do you differentiate between alkanes and an alkene?


What 2 observations can be made when lithium reacts with water, and why?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences