Group 1 - chemical reactions with water

• What happens when lithium is added to water?


  Lithium fizzes steadily and slowly becomes smaller until it disappears.
• What happens when sodium is added to water? 


  Sodium fizzes rapidly, melts into a ball, and quickly disappears.
• What happens when potassium is added to water?


  Potassium burns violently with a lilac flame, melts into a ball, and often causes a small explosion.
• Why do Group 1 elements have similar chemical properties? 


  They all have one electron in their outer shell.
• What are the products of the reaction between sodium and water? 


  Sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
• What pH is expected from the solution formed when Group 1 elements react with water?

  The solution has a pH greater than 7, indicating it's alkaline.
• What color does the universal indicator turn in a solution of sodium hydroxide?


  Blue or purple, indicating an alkaline solution.