Question

question 6: rank the following elements from least to greatest reactivity.
a) sulfur (s), oxygen (o), fluorine (f)
answer:

b) barium (ba), titanium (ti), vanadium (v)
answer:

:: sulfur (s)
:: oxygen (o)
:: fluorine (f)
:: barium (ba)
:: titanium (ti)
:: vanadium (v)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Reactivity Trends

For non - metals (S, O, F), reactivity increases across a period (from left to right) and decreases down a group. Sulfur (S) is in period 3, group 16; Oxygen (O) is in period 2, group 16; Fluorine (F) is in period 2, group 17. So the order from least to greatest reactivity for non - metals: S < O < F.

For metals (Ba, Ti, V), reactivity increases down a group and decreases across a period (from left to right). Barium (Ba) is in group 2, period 6; Titanium (Ti) is in group 4, period 4; Vanadium (V) is in group 5, period 4. So the order from least to greatest reactivity for metals: V < Ti < Ba.

Step2: Rank for Part a)

Sulfur (S), Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F) are non - metals. Using the reactivity trend for non - metals (decreases down a group, increases across a period), the order from least to greatest reactivity is Sulfur (S), Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F).

Step3: Rank for Part b)

Barium (Ba), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V) are metals. Using the reactivity trend for metals (increases down a group, decreases across a period), the order from least to greatest reactivity is Vanadium (V), Titanium (Ti), Barium (Ba).

Answer:

a) Least to greatest reactivity: Sulfur (S), Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F)
b) Least to greatest reactivity: Vanadium (V), Titanium (Ti), Barium (Ba)