8.1.4

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

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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