Group 1- The Alkali Metals

ALKALI METALS ALL HAVE ONE ELECTRON IN THEIR OUTMOST SHELL, WHICH MAKES THEM VERY REACTIVE

Group 1 Elements All React in a Similar Way with Water

• Simple Reactions can be used to work out if an element is part of the same family as other elements. Elements of the same family will react in a similar way
• For example, when lithium, sodium and potassium are out in water, they all react vigorously.
• The reaction produces a metal hydroxide solution This solution is alkaline- this is why Group 1 elements are known as the alkali metals.
• The reaction of the alkali metals with water also produces hydrogen- this is why you can see fizzing.
• These reactions can be written as chemical equations- e.g. for sodium the equation is:

Word Equation: sodium+water= sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

Symbol Equation: 2Na(s)+2H20(l)= 2NaOH (aq…