Alkali metals Flashcards
What happens to the reactivity as you move down group 1 and why?
The further down group 1 the more reactive the metals become because the negative electron on the outer shell is further away from the pull of the positive nucleus, therefore its easier to lose.
What are the observations made when lithium reacts with water?
-Low density = floating on top of the water
-Hydrogen (gas) is produced = fizzing
-It gradually reacts and disappears, forming a colour less solution of lithium hydroxide.
-soft
What are the observations made when sodium reacts with water?
-the sodium melts to form a ball that moves around on the surface = floats
-It fizzes rapidly before it disappears
-alkali
What are the observations made when potassium reacts with water?
-Metal melts
-floats (low density)
-fizzes (gas produced)
-lilac flame
What is the observations when lithium reacts with oxygen?
Crimson - red flame
What is the observations when sodium reacts with oxygen?
Yellow - orange flame
What is the observations when potassium reacts with oxygen?
Lilac flame
What are the observations when lithium reacts with chlorine?
Red flame
White powder
What are the observations when sodium reacts with chlorine?
Orange flame
White powder
What are the observations when lithium reacts with chlorine?
Lilac flame
White powder
Melting and boiling points
Low
Reactivity as you move down the column
It increases
Soft or hard to cut ?
Soft
Easy to cut through
Colour?
Colourless or white compounds
Density?
Low density (floats on water)
