Reactivity of Alkali Metals
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 8.2.3
Reactivity of Alkali Metals
As you go down the group, the reactions become quicker and more vigorous because:
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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.
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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.
Test yourself on Reactivity of Alkali Metals
Which of these is not a reason why alkali metals become more reactive as you go down group 1 of the periodic table?