Medium MCQ +4 / -1

Beryllium does not react with water even at high temperature, unlike magnesium. This is because:

  1. A Be has higher ionization energy
  2. B Be forms a protective oxide layer Correct answer
  3. C Be is more electronegative
  4. D Mg is more reactive

Solution

Be forms a thin, stable BeO layer on its surface that prevents further reaction with water. Mg also forms MgO but it reacts slowly with steam.

About this question

Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: s-Block Elements · Topic: Anomalous Properties of Li and Be

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