Alkali Metals

The Alkali Metals

Alkali metals are found in Group 1 of the periodic table. These metals are often seen in schools when they are reacted with water in experiments.

Alkali metals

Alkali metals are stored in oil to prevent them from reacting with the oxygen in the air.
When the alkali metals react with water they produce an alkaline solution.
The metals in Group 1 include (from top of the group to the bottom of the group):
- Lithium (Li).
- Sodium (Na).
- Potassium (K).
- Rubidium (Rb).
- Caesium (Cs).
- Francium (Fr).

Properties

Soft – they are easily cut with a knife. The further down the group, the easier they are to cut.
Low density – they are able to float on top of water.
The melting point of the alkali metals decreases as you go down the group.
The boiling point of the alkali metals decreases as you go down the group.
The density trend of the metals is that it increases as you go down the group.

Reactivity

The metals react with water producing the metal hydroxide and hydrogen.
As you go down the group, the metals get more reactive.

1Biology

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1.2.1Reproduction in Humans

1.2.2Male Reproductive System

1.2.3Female Reproductive System

1.2.4Gestation

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1.2.7The Menstrual Cycle

1.2.8Reproduction in Plants

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1.2.10Dispersal Method

1.2.11Variation

1.2.12Causes of Variation

1.2.13Inheritance

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1.2.16Genetic Conditions

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2Chemistry

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2.1.5Diffusion

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2.1.7Pressure

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2.2.3Acids & Alkalis

2.2.4Reactions of Acids

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2.4The Periodic Table

2.4.1Physical Properties

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2.4.4Metals

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2.4.6Alkali Metals

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2.4.8Oxides

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2.6.7The Reactivity Series

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