Group 1 - Alkali Metals

Question 1

What are the 3 alkali metals you need to know?

Answer 1

Lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K)

Question 2

Are alkali metals reactive or unreactive?

Answer 2

They’re highly reactive as they only have 1 outer shell electron so it doesn’t require a lot of energy to detach that electron

Question 3

Do alkali metals have high or low melting and boiling points?

Answer 3

Low melting and boiling points as they only have 1 outer shell electron so it doesn’t require a lot of energy to break the bonds

Question 4

What is the visible reaction between water and lithium, sodium or potassium?

Answer 4

It floats on the top of the water and fizzes

Question 5

What is the chemical reaction between water and lithium, sodium or potassium?

Answer 5

They react with the water to produce hydrogen. With potassium the reaction is so vigorous the hydrogen ignites (sets on fire)

Question 6

What is the reactive series of alkalis (up or down)?

Answer 6

Increases in reactivity as you go down the group