Alkali Metals - Properties
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 8.1.2
Alkali Metals (Group 1) - Properties
All of the elements in group 1 have 1 electron in their outer shell. These metals are soft and have relatively low melting points. They are very reactive because they easily lose the electron in their outer shell. They have similar properties and usually react in similar ways.
Reacting with water
- The metal floats on the surface and melts to create a metal hydroxide (e.g. lithium hydroxide).
- When they react with water, the energy released is enough to melt the metal.
Reacting with chlorine
- A metal chloride is formed (e.g. sodium chloride), which dissolves in water to give a colourless solution.
Reacting with oxygen
- Rapidly turns from silvery shiny to dull as a metal oxide (e.g. potassium oxide) is produced.
Test yourself on Alkali Metals - Properties
How many electrons do atoms of alkali metals have in their outer shell?
Why are alkali metals very reactive?
What colour of solution is produced when a metal chloride is dissolved in water?