Topic 7 Alkali Metals (group 1)

Question 1

What happens to reactivity of the metals as you go down the table?

Answer 1

The reactivity increases because less energy is needed to remove the electrons in the outer shell

Question 2

The reactivity of alkali metals increases going down the group. Why is this?

Answer 2

• the atoms of each element get larger as you go down the group
• the outer shell electron gets further away from the nucleus
• less attracted between positive nucleus and outer electron

Question 3

Name 3 properties of alkali metals

Answer 3

• soft
• low density
• so reactive that they have to be kept in oil in order to not react with oxygen

Question 4

What is produced when alkali metals react with water?

Answer 4

Metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas
eg. Sodium + water -> sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 5

What group are the alkali metals?

Answer 5

Group 1