8.2.3

Reactivity of Alkali Metals

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Reactivity of Alkali Metals

As you go down the group, the reactions become quicker and more vigorous because:

Illustrative background for Electron shellsIllustrative background for Electron shells ?? "content

Electron shells

  • The atoms gain more electron shells as you go down group 1.
  • This means there are more electron shells in between the nucleus and outer electron, which shields the electron from the nuclear charge.
  • This means that the electron is more easily lost, so the atom is more reactive.
Illustrative background for Weaker attractionIllustrative background for Weaker attraction ?? "content

Weaker attraction

  • The attraction between the positive nucleus and negative outer electron becomes weaker as you go down the group because the outer electron is further from the nucleus.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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