2.3 group 1- alkali metals

Question 1

where is group one placed on a periodic table

Answer 1

on the far left hand side

Question 2

name the properties of alkali metals

Answer 2

-very reactive
-have to be stored in oil (to stop them reacting with air)
-low density
-very soft, can be cut with a knife
-silver, shiny surface

Question 3

do the metals increase or decrease in reactivity as you go down the group

Answer 3

there reactivty increases as you go down

Question 4

which metal is the least reactive in group 1

Answer 4

lithium

Question 5

what metal is most reactive in group 1

Answer 5

francium

Question 6

why are these metals so reactive

Answer 6

there electronic structure
they have one electron in the shell which is the highest energy level
-they only need to lose one electron to be stable

Question 7

what charge do group 1 metals have

Answer 7

1+
-always form ionic compounds

Question 8

what rate do they boil and melt at

Answer 8

relatively low
going down the group, the metals decrease in reactivity

Question 9

name potassium and its reacitvity with water

Answer 9

hydrogen produces ignites, and burns with a lilac flame

Question 10

state the word equation for the reaction of sodium and water

Answer 10

sodium + water= sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 11

state the word equation for the reaction of potassium and water

Answer 11

potassium + water= potassium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 12

explain why these metals increase more in reactivity as you go down the group

Answer 12

The atomic radius increases down the group (the atoms get larger).

The force of attraction between the nucleus and outer electron decreases.

The electron is lost more easily (requires less energy to remove) from atoms lower down the group.