Group 1-Alkali metals

Question 1

What are the general trends for alkali metals?

Answer 1

As you go down, they become MORE REACTIVE

andhave LOWER MELTING/BOILING POINTS

Question 2

Why do alkali metals become more reactive as you go down?

Answer 2

Because the outer most electron is more easily lost because it is further from the nucleus.
This is because the nucleus is, (overall) positively charged whilst the electrons are negatively charged, this causes attraction,but the attraction becomes weaker the further away the electron is.

Question 3

What do all alkali metals have in common?

Answer 3

They have one electron on their outer shell

Question 4

What do they form?

Answer 4

Ionic compounds with non-metals (so they can lose one electron)

Question 5

How do they react with water?

Answer 5

When Li, Na, or K are put in water they react vigorously (fizz etc)
They produce hydrogen.
They from hydroxides that dissolve in water to make an alkaline solution.

Question 6

Are they more or less dense than water?

Answer 6

LESS