Calcium, magnesium, and strontium are near each other on the periodic table and have some characteristics in common, but they differ in chemical reactivity. which lists these metals in order from most reactive to least reactive?
1.calcium, magnesium, strontium
2.magnesium, calcium, strontium
3.strontium, calcium, magnesium
4.strontium, magnesium, calcium

The correct option is 3; STRONTIUM, CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM.

Strontium, calcium and magnesium are in the same group; because of this they have some characteristics in common, but their chemical reactivity is quite different. Strontium is the most reactive of the three element because of this, it does not exist free in nature but rather exist in combination with other elements in various compounds such as strontianite. Calcium is more reactive than magnesium because it is larger than magnesium and thus, it is more electropositive in nature.

3. strontium, calcium, magnesium

Explanation: The chemical reactivity of metals depends on the ability to lose electrons easily.

The reactivity of metals increase with increase in size of the metal. When the size increases, the valence shell lies farther from the nucleus and thus the valence electrons are less tightly held by nucleus and can be easily lost.

The size of metals vary in the order: strontium> calcium > magnesium and thus the reactivity also follows the same order.