Group 1 (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 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
• 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?


  A larger atomic radius weakens the attractive force on the outer electron
• 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 appearance of ionic compounds formed by alkali metals?


  They are generally white solids
• How do ionic compounds behave in water?


  They tend to dissolve and form colorless solutions
• What do alkali metals produce when they react with water?


  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$
• What happens to the energy released during the reactions of alkali metals with water as you go down the group?


  More energy is released
• What do alkali metals form when they react with chlorine gas?


  White metal chloride salts
• What is the reaction equation for sodium reacting with chlorine?


  $\text{Na} +$$\text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow \text{NaCl}$
• What do alkali metals form when they react with oxygen?


  Metal oxides
• What is the reaction equation for lithium reacting with oxygen?


  $4\text{Li} +$$\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{Li}_2\text{O}$
• What type of oxide does sodium form when it reacts with oxygen?


  Sodium oxide
• What are the possible oxides formed when potassium reacts with oxygen?

  Potassium peroxide or potassium superoxide
• What are the key 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
• How do the reactions of alkali metals change as you go down the group?


  • Increased reactivity
  • More energy released in reactions
  • More vigorous reactions with water and chlorine
• What is a good study method for remembering alkali metal reactions?


  • Use flashcards to practice reaction equations and products