Hydrogen and lithium react very differently, although they are both members of Group 1. What is the primary reason for this difference?
A) Metallic character increases going down a group.
B) Electron affinity increases going down a group.
C) There is a very large difference between the atomic radii of H and Li.
D) Ionization energy increases going down a group.
E) Electronegativity increases going down a group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary reason for the different reactions between hydrogen and lithium is the very large difference between their atomic radii. Hydrogen has a radius of 53 pm, while lithium has a radius of 152 pm. This difference in size leads to significant differences in their physical and chemical properties.

Hydrogen and Lithium React Very Differently, Although They Are Both