Group 1/Alkali Metals

Question 1

What are the first 3 group 1 metals

Answer 1

Lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K)

Question 2

What are the properties of the alkali metals?

Answer 2

Good conductors, soft shiny metals, low melting points

Question 3

How are the alkali metals stored?

Answer 3

In airtight containers under mineral oil or a gas such as argon to reduce contact with oxygen

Question 4

What are the observations of litium, sodium and potassium reacting with water and what do they produce? What would UI show?

Answer 4

• Will float as they are less dense than water
• Move around the surface of water
• Fizz as hydrogen gas is being produced
• Release heat as the reactions are exothermic
• Will eventually disappear
• Colourless
• UI would show blue/purple (alkaline)

Question 5

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

Answer 5

The reactions become more vigorous

Question 6

How do you test for the presence of hydrogen with a lit splint?

Answer 6

Hold a lit splint near the opening of the tube filled with gas, remove the stopper to expose the splint to the gas. If there is a squeaky pop, hydrogen is present