Chemical Properties-

• All group 1 elements have one electron in their outer shell, leading to similar chemical properties
• Alkali metals react with water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen
• Example reaction with sodium:

  • Sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen
  • 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
• Sodium hydroxide is an alkali and a base that dissolves in water to form an alkaline solution
• The alkaline solution:

  • Has a pH greater than 7
  • Turns universal indicator solution blue or purple
• Hydrogen gas is produced during the reaction

  • With very reactive metals like potassium, the energy of the reaction causes the hydrogen to burn as the reaction occurs
• Example -

  Rubidium is placed below potassium in group 1. Predict what is seen when rubidium is added to water.

  Rubidium should melt very quickly. It should burn very violently, and disappear almost instantly with an explosion.