Potassium tarnishes so quickly that it is difficult to see that potassium is actually a shiny metal. Potassium is the most reactive because less energy is required to remove the outer electron from its atom; the size of the atom is bigger and therefore the atom is furthr away from the nucleus and the outer electron is … Francium is almost non-existent in nature so cesium is the most reactive … Therefore potassium is the most reactive … It has more protons in the nucleus. Because of these factors, the outermost electron in potassium can be lost easily as compared to sodium. Therefore, the outer shell electron in Na experiences a weaker nuclear attraction than in Li. Why is potassium more reactive than sodium or lithium? (4 marks) Na has more electron shells/ energy levels than Li. Potassium hydride and oxygen. Why is potassium more reactive than sodium or lithium? 8. Secondly, on moving down the group, the atomic size increases and the effective nuclear charge decreases. Explain why sodium is more reactive than Lithium? It has more electrons to lose. ... Why is sodium more reactive than lithium? Outer electron of a potassium atom is furthest within these three metals from its nucleus than the outer electron of a sodium and lithium atom. This means that Na has a greater atomic radius than Li. Potassium is the most reactive because less energy is required to remove the outer electron from its atom; the size of the atom is bigger and therefore the atom is furthr away from the nucleus and the outer electron is … So potassium is more reactive than sodium and sodium is more reactive than lithium. Hence, potassium is more reactive than sodium. This makes Francium the most reactive, followed by cesium, rubidium, potassium, sodium and lithium. Hence, potassium is more reactive than sodium. Its outer electron is lost more easily.