1.2.5 Group 1: The Alkali Metals

• Elements in group 1 are known as?

  The alkali metals.
• State three characteristics of the Alkali Metals?

  All have one electron in their outer shell; have low density; are stored under oil (to prevent reactions with oxygen or water); are soft (can be cut with knife).
• How do Group 1 Elements react with Non-Metals? Why are these reactions similar for the different Group 1 elements?

  They form ionic compounds which are soluble white solids which form colourless solutions - they all have one electron in their outer shell.
• How do Group 1 elements react with water?

  They release hydrogen and form hydroxides which dissolves to form alkaline solutions; react vigorously with water fizzing and moving around on the surface of the water.
• How does reactivity change moving down Group 1 and Why?

  Reactivity increases as the atoms get larger and the distance between the nucleus and the outer electrons increases and thus attraction from the nucleus decreases, allowing them to more easily lose electrons.