Group 1 Alkali Metals

Question 1

What group of the periodic table are alkali metals found?

Answer 1

Group 1

Question 2

What are the first three alkali metals in order?
Bonus: give their symbols as well

Answer 2

Lithium (Li)
Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K)

Question 3

Give some properties of group 1 metals.

Answer 3

• good conductors of heat and electricity
• reactive
• low melting points

Question 4

How are group 1 metals stored and why?

Answer 4

Alkali metals are stored in oil to prevent them from reacting with the oxygen in the air.

Question 5

What is the appearance of (a) lithium, (b) sodium and (c) potassium?

Answer 5

a) Black, non-shiny, solid
b) White, solid
c) Light grey, solid, dull

Question 6

What are some observations when lithium reacts with water and with UI (universal indicator)?

Answer 6

Reaction with water: effervescence, smoke created, floats on the surface
Reaction with UI: it will turn purple

Question 7

What are some observations when sodium reacts with water and with UI (universal indicator)?

Answer 7

Reaction with water: effervescence, sodium melts into a ball, floats on the surface
Reaction with UI: it will turn purple/if more sodium is added it will leave a purple trail

Question 8

What are some observations when potassium reacts with water and with UI (universal indicator)?

Answer 8

Reaction with water: lilac flame forms, effervescence, lots of smoke
Reaction with UI: it turns purple

Question 9

What is the trend in reactivity as you descend group 1?

Answer 9

As you go down the group, the reactions become more vigorous.

Question 10

How do you test your for the presence of hydrogen?

Answer 10

Hold a lot splint near the opening of a test tube filled with gas. Remover the stopper to expose the splint to the gas. If a squeaky pop is heard, hydrogen is present.

Question 11

Put the metals in order of hardness - hardest first - out of Sodium, Lithium and Potassium

Answer 11

Lithium, Sodium, Potassium

Question 12

Complete the word equation:
lithium + water -> ……….………. + ……….

Answer 12

lithium + water -> lithium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 13

Complete the word equation:
sodium + water -> ……….………. + ……….

Answer 13

sodium + water -> sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 14

Complete the word equation:
potassium + water -> ……….………. + ……….

Answer 14

potassium + water -> potassium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 15

Why are the group 1 metals called “alkali metals”?

Answer 15

When the elements of group 1 react with water, a product is formed. This product is an alkali, hence they get their name.