Sodium and potassium belong to the category ofa)transition elementsb)noble gasesc)alkaline earth metals.d)alkali metals.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Na and K have ns¹ configuration so they are alkali metal.

Answer

Answer

See Na and K belongs to Ist group hence the Ist group is called alkali metals group

Answer

Yes this are alkali metal because they react with base

Answer

Sodium and Potassium: Alkali Metals

Introduction:
Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are two elements that belong to the category of alkali metals. Alkali metals are a group of chemical elements that are highly reactive and are located in Group 1 of the periodic table. These elements have similar properties and characteristics due to their electronic configuration.

Electronic Configuration:
- Sodium: Sodium has an atomic number of 11 and an electronic configuration of [Ne] 3s1. It has one valence electron in its outermost energy level.
- Potassium: Potassium has an atomic number of 19 and an electronic configuration of [Ar] 4s1. It also has one valence electron in its outermost energy level.

Properties:
Alkali metals exhibit certain common properties due to their similar electronic configurations:
1. Low density: Sodium and potassium have low densities, making them less dense than water.
2. Softness: These metals are extremely soft and can be easily cut with a knife.
3. Low melting and boiling points: Sodium and potassium have low melting and boiling points, which means they can melt and boil at relatively low temperatures.
4. High reactivity: Alkali metals are highly reactive and readily react with other elements, especially water, to produce hydrogen gas and alkali hydroxides.
5. Good conductors of electricity: Sodium and potassium are excellent conductors of electricity due to the presence of a single valence electron, which can move freely.

Applications:
Sodium and potassium have various applications in different industries:
1. Sodium: Sodium is commonly used in the production of sodium hydroxide, a versatile chemical used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, paper, and textiles. It is also used in the production of sodium carbonate (soda ash), which is an important ingredient in glass manufacturing. Sodium-based compounds are also used in water treatment, food preservation, and pharmaceuticals.
2. Potassium: Potassium compounds find applications in fertilizers, as potassium is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Potassium carbonate is used in the production of glass, while potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacturing of soaps and detergents.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sodium and potassium belong to the category of alkali metals due to their similar electronic configurations and properties. These elements are highly reactive, soft, and have low melting and boiling points. They have various industrial applications and play crucial roles in different fields.

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