Group 1 elements

• Group 1 Elements

  Also known as the alkali metals
• Group 1 Elements

  • Reactive
  • Soft Metals
• Group 1 Elements

  • Lithium
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Rubidium
  • Cesium
  • Francium
• Alkali Metals


  • Have one electron in the outer shell which makes them reactive and give up electrons easily
  • Are all soft and have low densities
• Trends in Group 1 as you go down

  • Atomic radius increases
  • Ionization energy decreases
  • Melting and boiling points decrease
  • Reactivity increases
• Alkali Metals form ionic compounds with non-metals
• Alkali Metals only ever react to form ionic compounds
• Ionic compounds formed by alkali metals are generally white solids that dissolve in water to form colourless solutions
• As you go down Group 1

  The reactivity of the alkali metals increases
• As you go down Group 1

  The ease with which the alkali metals lose their outer electron increases
• As you go down Group 1

  The melting and boiling points of the alkali metals decrease
• Alkali metals react violently with water, producing hydrogen gas
• The further down Group 1 you go

  The more violent the reaction of the alkali metal with water
• Alkali metals react with chlorine to form ionic salts
• As you go down Group 1

  The reactivity of the alkali metals with chlorine increases
• Alkali metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides
• The type of oxide formed depends on the alkali metal
• Reactions of alkali metals need safety precautions as they react violently with water and may explode