Chemistry: The Alkali Metals

• The alkali metals are found in group 1 of the periodic table. 
  
• They are Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium,and Francium.
• All the alkali metals have one electron in the outer shell. 
  
• Reaction with oxygen: 4M*(s) + O2(g) ---> 2M2O(s) metal oxide e.g. Li2O lithium oxide. 
  *M symbolizes any alkali metal. 
  
• (aq) = aqueous (dissolved in water). 
  
• Reactions with water: 2M(s) + 2H20(l) ---> 2H2O(l) + H2(g) [metal hydroxide and hydrogen]
• "Down the group" - "with increasing atomic number"
• As you go 'down the group', the melting and boiling points decrease. Their densities tend to increase and they become softer and easier to cut. 
  

Sodium + Water:

• Floats because it…