Question

Why is potassuim softer than soduim ?

Answer 1

becz potassium & sodium are both in metallic str.potassium atom has one more electronic shell than sodium atom,and thus potassium atom is greater than sodium atom.The metallic bonds in potassium are weaker than that of sodium becz potassium atom has a longer distance between the nucleus and the delocalized electrons than sodium.Therefore potassium is softer than sodium due to weaker metallic bonds in potassium






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