Group 1 metals

Question 1

Why do the group one metals react in a similar way?

Answer 1

they all want to lose one electron

Question 2

What happens down the group?

Answer 2

the elements become more reactive

Question 3

How does lithium react in water?

Answer 3

• fizzes
• moves
• floats
• universal indicator goes purple (alkali)
• stays the same shape

Question 4

How does sodium react in water?

Answer 4

• fizzes
• moves
• floats
• universal indicator turns purple (alkali)
• melts into a ball

Question 5

How does potassium react in water?

Answer 5

• fizzes
• moves
• floats
• universal indicator turns purple (alkali)
• metals into a ball
• self ignites into a lilac flame

Question 6

How does rubidium react in water?

Answer 6

• explodes in white sparks

Question 7

How does caesium react in water?

Answer 7

• exploded and breaks the glass bowl

Question 8

What is the word equation for the reaction between the alkali metals and water?

Answer 8

METAL + water —-> METAL hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 9

What is the symbol equation for the reaction between the alkali metals and water?

Answer 9

2METAL SYMBOL + 2H2O —-> 2METAL SYMBOL OH + H2

Question 10

Why do group 1 metals behave in a similar way?

Answer 10

• they all have on outer electron which they want to lose (oxidation) which will allow them to have a full outer shell and become stable.
• They don’t react in exactly the same way
• They become more reactive down the group.

Question 11

Why do the group 1 metals become more reactive down the group?

Answer 11

The atoms are becoming larger (more shells) so their outer electron is further away from the nucleus and therefore is easier to lose.