SEP Construct an Explanation What properties of lithium, sodium, and magnesium make these elements good ones to use in the anodes of batteries? (Hint: Think about where they are located on the periodic table.) Which of these three has been most commonly used in batteries so far, and for what two reasons?

Lithium, sodium, and magnesium are highly electropositive metals found around the s-block of the periodic table. They are highly electropostive and hence, highly negative reduction potentials.

Discussion:

The aforementioned metals loose electrons readily making them highly preferable for use as the anode in the manufacture of batteries.

Read more on Li-ion batteries;

link

See explanation

Explanation:

Lithium, sodium, and magnesium are metals found towards the left hand side in the periodic table. They are highly electropostive and have highly negative reduction potentials. The reduction potentials of the metals are listed below;

Li -3.04 V

Na -2.71 V

Mg -2.37 V

These metals easily loose electrons making them highly preferable for use as the anode of batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used types of battery. This is because the reduction potential of Li is very negative hence it looses electrons easily and current starts flowing.

Secondly, Lithium-ion batteries are easily rechargeable compared to those of sodium and magnesium.