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Alkali Metals

Science: KS3, topic 2.4.8

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

  • 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

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

Reactivity

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

Test yourself on Alkali Metals

  • Why are alkali metals stored in oil?

  • Which of these is NOT an alkali metal?

  • Which of these are the correct trends in the alkali metals?

  • The Alkali Metals

  • Why does an alkali metal lower down Group 1 react more easily than one higher up?

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