Which two elements have the most similar chemical properties?
(1) Be and Mg (3) Cl and Ar
(2) Ca and Br (4) Na and P



Answer :

Be and Mg have the most similar chemical properties.

atoms are made of 3 types of sub atomic particles- protons, neutrons and electrons

from these 3 particles, electrons are responsible for participating in chemical bonds. therefore chemical properties of elements are based on the number of electrons present.

valence electrons are the number of electrons in the outermost energy shell that are involved in chemical bonds.

atoms with same number of valence electrons are grouped in to columns called groups.

therefore elements of the same group have same number of valence electrons, hence similar chemical properties.

from the options given

only Be and Mg belong to the same group they both belong to group 2 with 2 valence electrons

therefore Be and Mg have similar chemical properties

answer is

1) Be and Mg