Group 1 Alkali Metals – Complete Properties & Reactions Guide
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📋 Complete Group 1 Alkali Metals Guide
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What Are Group 1 Alkali Metals?
Cambridge Exam Definition:
"Group 1 Alkali Metals are the elements in the first column of the periodic table: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Caesium (Cs), and Francium (Fr). They have one electron in their outer shell and are highly reactive."
Lithium (Li)
Atomic Number: 3
Soft, silvery-white metal
Sodium (Na)
Atomic Number: 11
Soft, silvery-white metal
Potassium (K)
Atomic Number: 19
Soft, silvery-white metal
Essential Foundation Knowledge:
Master these first: Cambridge Periodic Table Guide, Atomic Structure, and Electronic Configuration.
Physical Properties of Group 1 Metals
| Property | Description | Cambridge Exam Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | Can be cut with a knife - soft metals | High - Often tested in practical questions |
| Low Density | Float on water (Li, Na, K) | High - Must know examples |
| Low Melting/Boiling Points | Decrease down the group | Very High - Trend explanation required |
| Good Conductors | Heat and electricity | Medium - Standard metal property |
| Silvery Appearance | Shiny when freshly cut | Low - Basic observation |
Chemical Properties & Reactivity
🎯 Single Valence Electron
All Group 1 elements have one electron in their outer shell
This makes them highly reactive as they easily lose this electron
⚡ Low Ionization Energy
Easy to remove the outer electron
Ionization energy decreases down the group
🔥 Form +1 Ions
Always form M⁺ ions in compounds
Examples: Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺
Reactivity Trend - Down Group 1
Reactivity INCREASES Down the Group
Lithium → Sodium → Potassium → Rubidium → Caesium
Less Reactive → More Reactive
Why Reactivity Increases:
- Atomic size increases down the group
- Outer electron is further from nucleus
- Weaker attraction between nucleus and outer electron
- Easier to lose the outer electron
Key Reactions of Alkali Metals
💧 Reaction with Water
General Equation: 2M + 2H₂O → 2MOH + H₂
Products: Metal hydroxide + Hydrogen gas
Observations Down the Group:
- Lithium: Fizzes steadily, moves slowly
- Sodium: Melts into ball, fizzes rapidly, moves quickly
- Potassium: Melts, ignites with lilac flame, moves rapidly
- Rubidium/Caesium: Explosive reaction
🔥 Reaction with Oxygen
Forms Metal Oxides: 4M + O₂ → 2M₂O
Observation: Burns with characteristic flame colors
Flame Test Colors:
- Lithium: Crimson red flame
- Sodium: Yellow flame
- Potassium: Lilac flame
⚡ Reaction with Chlorine
Forms Metal Chlorides: 2M + Cl₂ → 2MCl
Products: White crystalline salts
Important Notes:
- All reactions are exothermic
- Vigorous reactions require safety precautions
- Reactivity increases down the group
Safety Precautions - Exam Must Know!
🧤 Handling Alkali Metals
- Always use forceps - never touch with bare hands
- Store under oil to prevent reaction with air/moisture
- Use small pieces for demonstrations
🧯 Reaction Safety
- Wear safety goggles at all times
- Use safety screen for potassium and below
- Have dry sand or fire extinguisher ready
- Conduct in well-ventilated area
Exam-Focused Practice Questions
Question 1: Describe the reaction of sodium with water (3 marks)
Model Answer: Sodium reacts vigorously with water, melting into a ball that moves rapidly on the water surface. It fizzes strongly, producing hydrogen gas and forming sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction is exothermic.
Question 2: Explain why reactivity increases down Group 1 (4 marks)
Model Answer: Reactivity increases because atomic size increases down the group. The outer electron is further from the nucleus and experiences more shielding from inner electrons. This weakens the attraction between the nucleus and outer electron, making it easier to lose the electron in reactions.
Question 3: Write the balanced equation for potassium with water (2 marks)
Model Answer: 2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂
Solved Past Papers - Group 1 Questions
See exactly how Group 1 questions appear in actual Cambridge exams:
IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Solved - Alkali Metals Focus
O Level Chemistry 5070 Solved - Group Properties
Download More Resources: Complete Past Papers Collection | Group 1 Summary Notes PDF
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