Name two elements you would expect to show chemical reactions similar to magnesium. What is the basis for your choice ?

Answer: Beryllium (Be) and Calcium (Ca). Both Be (atomic number 4) and Ca (atomic number 20) have similar electronic configuration, i.e. two electrons in outermost shells. Be 2,2 Ca 2, 8, 8, 2 Both Be and Ca react with oxygen to give basic oxides, BeO and MgO.