Group 1 Elements

Question 1

Why is group 1 also called the alkali metals?

Answer 1

Because they react violently with water to produce metal hydroxides which are strong alkalis.

Question 2

What happens to the hardness of the metals as you go down the group?

Answer 2

It gets softer

Question 3

What happens when lithium reacts with water?

Answer 3

Hydrogen gas is produced (bubbles), it melts into a ball and races around the surface of the water.

Question 4

What would you see when sodium is added to water?

Answer 4

Bubble and fizzing, the hydrogen burns with an orange flame.

Question 5

What would you see when potassium reacts with water?

Answer 5

Burns with a lilac flame, bubbles are produces, can be explosive.

Question 6

What is the balances symbol equation of water and potassium?

Answer 6

2K + 2H2O -> H2 + 2KOH

Question 7

What colour does lithium burn?

Answer 7

Crimson flame

Question 8

What colour does sodium burn?

Answer 8

Yellow

Question 9

What colour does potassium burn?

Answer 9

Lilac