Group 1 - Alkali Metals

Question 1

Which group of the periodic table are the alkali metals?

Answer 1

Group 1

Question 2

What is the state of the alkali metals?

Answer 2

Silvery solids

Question 3

What do the alkali metals need to be stored in oil?

Answer 3

To minimise contact with oxygen and water

Question 4

Why do the alkali metals need to be handled with forceps?

Answer 4

They cause chemical burns on the skin.

Question 5

How many electrons do the alkali metals have on their outer shells?

Answer 5

1

Question 6

Why do the alkali metals have similar chemical properties?

Answer 6

They all have one electron on their outer shell.

Question 7

Are the melting and boiling points of the alkali metals low or high?

Answer 7

Low

Question 8

Are the alkali metals soft or hard?

Answer 8

Soft

Question 9

What kind of ion do alkali metals form?

Answer 9

1+ ion

Question 10

What is the trend of reactivity as you go down group 1?

Answer 10

Increasing

Question 11

Explain the trend in reactivity in the alkali metals.

Answer 11

Group 1 metals react by losing their outermost electron. As you move down the group, the atomic radius gets larger. This means that the outermost electron becomes less strongly attracted to the nucleus because it is further away. So, less energy is required to remove the outer electron from elements at the bottom of the group and it is more easily lost.

Question 12

What is the general equation for an alkali metals reacting with water?

Answer 12

Alkali Metal + Water ——> Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen

Question 13

What is the balanced symbol equation for sodium reacting with water, with state symbols?

Answer 13

2Na(s) + 2H(diatomic 2)O(l) ——> 2NaOH(aq) + H(diatomic 2)(g)