Group 1 -Alkali Metals

• What are the elements known as alkali metals in group 1?


  Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium
• How do alkali metals differ from most other metals?

  They are relatively soft, have low densities, and low melting points
• What is the reactivity trend of alkali metals as you go down the group?

  The elements become more reactive
• Which alkali metal is so reactive that it can ignite spontaneously at room temperature?

  Cesium
• What happens to the melting and boiling points of alkali metals as you go down the group?

  They decrease
• Why do alkali metals react vigorously with water, oxygen, and group 7 elements?

  They have one electron in their outermost shell that they can easily lose
• How does the atomic radius affect the reactivity of alkali metals?

  As the atomic radius increases, the outermost electron is further from the nucleus, making it easier to lose
• What type of compounds do alkali metals typically form with non-metals?

  Ionic compounds
• What is the process of forming an ionic compound between sodium and chlorine?

  • Sodium donates an electron to chlorine
  • Both achieve full outer shells
  • They form oppositely charged ions
  • The ions are attracted to each other by electrostatic forces, creating an ionic bond
• What is the chemical reaction when sodium reacts with water?

  Sodium plus water produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What happens to the energy released during the reactions of alkali metals with water as you go down the group?

  The reactions release more energy
• What do alkali metals form when they react with chlorine gas?


  White metal chloride salts
• What type of oxides do alkali metals form when they react with oxygen?

  Metal oxides
• What is the formula for lithium oxide when lithium reacts with oxygen?

  Li₂O
• What is the formula for sodium oxide when sodium reacts with oxygen?

  Na₂O
• What can potassium form when it reacts with oxygen?

  Potassium can form potassium peroxide (K₂O₂) or potassium superoxide (KO₂)
• What are the general characteristics of ionic compounds formed by alkali metals?

  • Generally white solids
  • Tend to dissolve in water
  • Form colorless solutions
• What is a recommended method for remembering the compounds formed by alkali metals?

  Using flashcards to practice