To determine which element is the least similar to magnesium (Mg), we can consider the periodic table.
1. Magnesium (Mg) is located in group 2 of the periodic table, which is known as the alkaline earth metals group. Elements in the same group generally have similar chemical properties.
2. Beryllium (Be) is also in group 2. Because Be and Mg are in the same group, they share many properties, such as being relatively reactive metals and forming +2 cations.
3. Calcium (Ca) is another element in group 2. Like Be and Mg, Ca shares similar properties because it also tends to form +2 cations and has comparable reactivity.
4. Strontium (Sr), just like Be, Mg, and Ca, belongs to group 2. Therefore, Sr has similar chemical properties as these elements mentioned above.
5. Sodium (Na) is in group 1 of the periodic table, known as the alkali metals. Elements in group 1 are chemically different from those in group 2. Sodium forms +1 cations and reacts differently compared to group 2 elements.
Given this information, the element least similar to magnesium (Mg) is:
C. Sodium (Na).
