Question

Two representations of the distribution of electrons in the potassium atom are shown.

Model 1 Model 2
1s22s22p63s23p64s1


Which model is useful in showing the reactivity of potassium?
Neither model is able to show the reactivity of potassium.
Model 1 because it shows an electron in the 4s orbital.
Model 2 because it shows an electron in the outermost ring.
Both models because each shows an electron in the outermost shell.

Answer 1

Both models are effective because they show the valence electrons, and these valence electrons indicate the reactivity of an element.

Answer 2

Answer : Option D) Both the models because each shows an electron in the outermost shell.

Explanation : It is clearly seen that the model 1 and model 2 has the electronic configuration which is same for potassium.

The reactivity in potassium is seen because of the one electron present in the outermost valence shell.

The electronic configuration of potassium is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{1}$

Therefore, both the models are able to show the reactivity of the potassium. Hence, the answer is option D.