Difference between revisions of "Group 1"
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| + | | style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:left;" |In a [[Chemical Reaction|chemical reaction]] the [[electron]] in the [[Outer Shell|outer shell]] is lost. | ||
The [[reactivity]] increases as you go down the group because: | The [[reactivity]] increases as you go down the group because: | ||
Revision as of 16:11, 5 December 2018
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Group 1 elements, also known as Alkali Metals on the Periodic Table are the elements which have only one electron in their outer shell.
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| Group 1 elements are shown in light purple at the far left of the Periodic Table. NB: Hydrogen is often shown in Group 1 due to having a single electron in the outer shell however it is not considered an Alkali Metal because it has very few properties in common with Alkali Metals. |
About the Alkali Metals
- Though Hydrogen has one electron in the outer shell it does not behave the same as other elements in group 1 so it is not considered to be an Alkali Metal.
- The Alkali Metals have similar chemical properties because they all have one electron on their outer shell.
- Alkali Metals all produce ions with a +1 relative charge because they lose an electron in chemical reactions.
The Alkali Metals in order from least reactive to most reactive are:
Chemical Properties
- Alkali Metals are all highly reactive and will oxidise quickly in the presence of Oxygen.
- Alkali Metals all react strongly with water to produce metal hydroxides and Hydrogen gas.
- Alkali Metals all produce strong alkalis.
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In a chemical reaction the electron in the outer shell is lost.
The reactivity increases as you go down the group because:
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Physical Properties
- Alkali Metals have a low density compared to other metals.
- Alkali Metals are all solid at room temperature but have a low melting point compared to other metals.
- Alkali Metals are soft and can be easily cut.
- Alkali Metals all appear shiny (before they oxidise).