Short Answer TypeLithium shows similarities to magnesium in the chemical behaviour. What is the cause of this similarity?
Lithium has highest ionisation energy in group 1 elements, yet it is strongest reducing agent. Comment.
It is due to high hydration energy of small lithium ion which more than compensates high ionisation enthalpy. The hydration energy of Li+ ion is very high and as a result of this reduction potential of lithium is very low(E°= –3). So lithium acts as the most powerful reducing agent in aqueous solution.
The softness of group 1 elements increases down the group with increasing atomic number. Give reason.
Switch
