Group 1

• How do group 1 metals react with oxygen?

  Rapidly, it's more rapid as we move down the group.
• What is the reaction between a metal (lithium/potassium/ sodium and oxygen)?

  4 Li + O2 --> 2 Li2O

  4 Na + O2 --> 2 Na2O

  4 K + O2 --> 2 K2O
• What is the reaction between a metal (lithium/potassium/sodium) and chlorine?


  2 Li + Cl2 --> 2 LiCl

  2 Na + Cl2 --> 2 NaCl

  2 K + Cl2 --> 2 KCl
• What is the reaction between a metal (lithium/potassium/sodium) and Water?

  2 Li + 2H2O --> 2 LiOH + H2

  2 Na + 2H2O --> 2 NaOH + H2

  2 K + 2H2O --> 2 KOH + H2
• Why are the Group 1 metals more reactive as we move down the group?

  -1 The radius of atom increases as we move down the group, this means a greater distance between the positive nucleus and the negative outer electron. This results in the outer electron being less attracted to the nucleus.

  -2 The outer electron is repelled by the electrons in the internal energy levels, this is called shielding, this decreases the attraction between the nucleus and outer electron.