Group 1 Elements Flashcards
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table (13 cards)
What are the alkali metals in Group 1?
Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, francium
These elements are characterized by having one electron in their outer shell.
Why are alkali metals very reactive?
They have one electron in their outer shell, which is easily lost
This leads to similar properties among alkali metals.
What is a characteristic property of alkali metals?
They are soft and have low density
This physical property is significant in their identification.
What trends occur in alkali metals as you move down Group 1?
Increasing reactivity, lower melting and boiling points, higher relative atomic mass
These trends are due to the increasing distance of the outer electron from the nucleus.
Fill in the blank: Alkali metals readily form ______ ions.
1+
This is due to their tendency to lose one outer electron.
What type of compounds do alkali metals form with non-metals?
Ionic compounds
These compounds are typically white solids that dissolve in water to create colorless solutions.
What happens when alkali metals react with water?
They produce hydrogen gas and metal hydroxides
Example reaction: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂.
How does the reactivity of alkali metals change down the group when reacting with water?
The more reactive the metal, the more violent the reaction
Potassium’s reaction can release enough energy to ignite hydrogen.
What do alkali metals form when they react with chlorine?
White metal chloride salts
Example reaction: 2Na + Cl₂ → 2NaCl.
What do Group 1 metals react with oxygen to form?
Metal oxides
Different metals form different types of oxides.
What is formed when lithium reacts with oxygen?
Lithium oxide (Li₂O)
This is a specific example of the reaction with oxygen.
How do alkali metals compare to transition metals in terms of reactivity?
Alkali metals are much more reactive
They react more vigorously with water, oxygen, or Group 7 elements.
What are the physical differences between alkali metals and transition metals?
Alkali metals are less dense, less strong, less hard, and have lower melting points
For example, manganese melts at 2000 °C, while sodium melts at 98 °C.
