Group 1 (alkali metals)

• Group 1 (alkali metals) include lithium, sodium, and potassium.
• Group 1 elements have characteristic properties due to the single electron in their outer shell.
• All Group 1 elements react vigorously with water to create an alkaline solution and hydrogen.
• Group 1 elements react with oxygen to create an oxide.
• More bubbles with reaction with water indicate a more vigorous reaction and a more reactive alkali metal.
• Reactivity in Group 1 increases down the group, therefore reactivity increases from lithium to potassium.
• Lithium fizzes steadily when reacted with water.
• Sodium melts into a ball and then fizzes quickly when reacted with water.
• Potassium gives off sparks and hydrogen when reacted with water.