Group 1 - Alkali metals

Question 1

Physical properties of group 1

Answer 1

• They’re soft (can be cut with a knife)
• Have relatively low melting points (decreases as you go down the group)
• Low densities

Question 2

How many electrons are on the outer shell of group 1

Answer 2

Only one electron - which means they’re very really reactive

Question 3

What are the reactions of group 1 metals with water?

Answer 3

• They will produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen.
• Hydrogen gas is produced
• With more reactive metals the hydrogen will burn as the reaction takes place

Question 4

What happens when Lithium is added to water?

Answer 4

Fizzes steadily, slowly becomes smaller until is disappears

Question 5

What happens when Sodium is added to water?

Answer 5

Melts to form a ball, fizzes rapidly, quickly becomes smaller until is disappears

Question 6

What happens when Potassium is added to water?

Answer 6

Quickly melts to form a ball, burns violently with sparks, and a lilac flame, disappears rapidly, often with a small explosion

Question 7

Why does the reactivity increase as you go down the group?

Answer 7

• 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.