Question

decide which element probably has a boiling point most and least similar to the boiling point of calcium.
comparing boiling point:
\t\t\tindium\tgallium\tmagnesium\targon
most similar to calcium\t○\t○\t○\t○
least similar to calcium\t○\t○\t○\t○

Explanation:

Step1: Recall periodic trends and element groups

Calcium (\(Ca\)) is an alkaline earth metal (Group 2). Magnesium (\(Mg\)) is also in Group 2, so they have similar metallic bonding and properties, leading to similar boiling points. Argon (\(Ar\)) is a noble gas (Group 18), a non - metal with very different bonding (van der Waals forces) compared to calcium's metallic bonding, so its boiling point is least similar. Indium (\(In\)) and gallium (\(Ga\)) are post - transition metals, not in the same group as calcium, so their boiling points are less similar than magnesium's.

Step2: Determine most and least similar

• Most similar: Magnesium (\(Mg\)) because it is in the same group (Group 2) as calcium, so they have similar atomic structure and bonding, resulting in similar boiling points.
• Least similar: Argon (\(Ar\)) because it is a noble gas with completely different bonding (van der Waals forces) compared to the metallic bonding in calcium, leading to a very different boiling point.

Answer:

Most similar to calcium: magnesium
Least similar to calcium: argon