Alkali metals

• What are the group 1 elements known as?

  Alkali metals
• Which elements are included in the alkali metals group?

  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 doesn't sodium catch fire when sprinkled on food like common table salt?

  Because it is in a stable ionic compound form as sodium chloride
• Why are alkali metals so reactive?

  They have one electron in their outermost shell that they can easily lose
• What charge do alkali metals become when they lose their outer electron?

  They become a one positive ion
• 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 does the term "reactivity" refer to in chemistry?

  How easily atoms can lose or gain electrons
• What type of compounds do alkali metals typically form with non-metals?

  Ionic compounds
• What happens when sodium reacts with chlorine?

  Sodium donates an electron to chlorine, forming sodium chloride
• What is the result of the reaction between an alkali metal and water?

  It produces a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What is the reaction equation for sodium reacting with water?


  $\text{Na} +$$\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{NaOH} +$$\text{H}_2$
• How does the energy released in reactions change as you go down the alkali metal group?

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

  White metal chloride salts
• What is the product of lithium reacting with oxygen?

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


  $\text{Na}_2\text{O}$
• What can potassium form when it reacts with oxygen?

  Potassium can form potassium peroxide or potassium superoxide
• What are the general properties of alkali metals?

  • Soft
  • Low density
  • Low melting points
  • Highly reactive
• What are the reactions of alkali metals with water, chlorine, and oxygen?

  • Water: Produces metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas
  • Chlorine: Forms white metal chloride salts
  • Oxygen: Forms metal oxides, with variations depending on the metal
• What are the trends in reactivity and physical properties of alkali metals as you go down the group?

  • Reactivity increases
  • Melting and boiling points decrease
  • Atomic radius increases
• What is the significance of ionic compounds formed by alkali metals?

  • Formed by the transfer of electrons from metals to non-metals
  • Generally white solids
  • Tend to dissolve in water to form colorless solutions