NEETChemistrys Block Elements
Why does lithium, despite having the most negative E o value among the alkali metals, react less vigorously with water compared to sodium?
Options
- ALithium has a larger size and lower hydration energy.
- BLithium has a smaller size and lower hydration energy.
- CSodium has a larger size and higher hydration energy.
- DSodium has a smaller size and higher hydration energy.
Correct answer
B. Lithium has a smaller size and lower hydration energy.
Step-by-step solution
The less vigorous reaction of lithium with water, despite having a more negative E o value, is attributed to its small size and very high hydration energy, which makes it less reactive than sodium.