Properties of the Alkali Metals

Question 1

What are the 3 main features of the Alkali metals?

Answer 1

Soft, low density, low melting point

Question 2

What are 3 things that happen as you go down the group?

Answer 2

Elements become more reactive
Melting & Boiling Points decrease

Question 3

Why do the elements become more reactive as you go down the group?

Answer 3

Increased distance between positive nucleus and negative outer shell electron weakens the attractive force

Question 4

What do they almost always form with non-metals?

Answer 4

Ionic compounds

Question 5

What is formed when they dissolve in water?

Answer 5

Colourless solution

Question 6

Give two observations when lithium reacts with water

Answer 6

1) Effervescence (fizzing)
2) Gas produced (hydrogen)

Question 7

Give two observations when sodium reacts with water

Answer 7

1) Rapid movement across surface of water
2) Turns water into an alkaline solution

Question 8

Give two observations when potassium reacts with water

Answer 8

1) Burns with a lilac flame
2) Gas produced (hydrogen)