Group 1 (Alkali Metals)

They have 1 electron in their outer shell, and since they all have this same number of electrons, they share similar properties

• The hydroxide of that metal and hydrogen • The solution is always alkaline

It increases

• Slow • It does not produce enough heat to allow it to melt

• Faster than lithium • Enough heat is produced for it to melt • Hydrogen released catches fire

• It reacts violently • Hydrogen released burns with a lilac coloured flame • The potassium melts into a shiny ball

• They form metal oxides, and the metals tarnish, with a dull coating forming which covers the metals • The reactions, again, get more violent as you move down the group

• They have low melting points which decrease as you move down the group. This is because the electron gets further from the nucleus • They have low densities, with densities increasing as you move down the group • They are soft and easy to cut, getting softer as you move down the group

• It would react more violently with water and oxygen, because it is further down the group • It would have a lower melting point • It would be softer • It would be denser

• As you move down the group, the period number increases meaning the number of electron shells increases • This means that the 1 outermost electron gets further and further from the nucleus, resulting in much weaker forces of attraction between the electron and the nucleus • This leads to increased reactivity as less energy is needed and the electron is lost more easily

Alkali metals