Group 1- alkali metals Flashcards
Properties in common with other metals
-Shiny when freshly cut
-Good conductors of electricity and heat
-Solid at room temperature 
what are the unusual propertiesof alkali metals?
-Relatively low densities compared to other metals
-Unusually soft, can be cut with a knife
-Relatively low melting points, compared to other metals
Alkali metal reaction with water
Alkali metal + water —> metal hydroxide + hydrogen
2M (s) + 2H2O (l) —> 2MOH (aq) + H2 (g)
What happens when alkali metals react with oxygen?
They tarnish rapidly because of the oxidation reaction
Example of an alkali metal reacting with oxygen
4Li (s) + O2 (g) —> 2Li2O (s)
How does lithium reacts when it is reacted with water?
Floats and fizzes, move slowly around surface, turns U.I. a blue colour
How does sodium react when it is reacted with water?
Floats and fizzes rapidly, moves quickly on surface, enough heat to melt it into a sphere
How does potassium reacts when it is reacted with water?
Enough energy to ignite the hydrogen, lilac flame, vigourous and quick reaction
How does rubidium react when it is reacted with water?
Explosive, sinks
How does caesium react when it is reacted with water?
Violently, explosive
what are the products of lithium reacting with water?
hydrogen and lithium hydroxide
what are the products of sodium reacting with water?
hydrogen and sodium hydroxide
what are the products of potassium reacting with water?
hydrogen and potassium hydroxide
what are the products of rubidium reacting with water?
hydrogen and rubidium hydroxide
what are the products of caesium reacting with water?
hydrogen and caesium hydroxide
