C1 - Reactivity of Group 1 metals

• What are the group 1 metals called?

  The Alkali Metals
• What happens to the reactivity of the metals as you go down group 1?

  Reactivity increases
• Describe three observations that can be seen when lithium is put into water

  • Fizzing
  • Hydrogen gas produced
  • Lithium floats
• Describe three observations that can be seen when sodium is put into water

  1. Rapid fizzing
  2. Hydrogen gas produced
  3. Vigorous movement in the water
  4. Sodium floats
• Describe three observations that can be seen when potassium is put into water

  1. Lilac flame
  2. Sparks
  3. Potassium floats
  4. Potassium melts
  5. Fizzing/effervescence
• What are the properties of alkali metals?

  1. Soft
  2. Low density
  3. Low melting point
  4. Reactive
• What happens to the melting & boiling points as you go down group 1?

  They decrease
• Why does the reactivity of group 1 metals increase as you go down the group?

  1. As you go down the group, the atoms get larger
  2. So, the outer shell electron is further away from the nucleus
  3. So, the attraction between the nucleus and outer shell electron decreases/weakens
  4. So, the outer shell electron is more easily lost
• What is the general equation for when an alkali metal reacts with water?

  Alkali metal + water ---> metal hydroxide + hydrogen gas
• What is the general formula for when an alkali metal reacts with chlorine?

  Alkali metal + chlorine ---> metal chloride
• What is the general equation for when an alkali metal reacts with oxygen?

  Alkali metal + oxygen ---> metal oxide