Inorganic Chemistry: Group 1 Alkali Metals

Flashcards covering key concepts about Group 1 alkali metals including their reactions, trends in reactivity, and electronic configurations.

They all react vigorously with water to create an alkaline solution and hydrogen.

What characterizes the behavior of Group 1 alkali metals when reacting with water?

Reactivity increases down the group from lithium to potassium.

What is the reactivity trend of Group 1 alkali metals?

It is easier to lose electrons due to the increase in electron shells, resulting in more electron shielding and a decrease in attraction between the nucleus and outer shell electrons.

In terms of electronic configuration, why is it easier for alkali metals to lose electrons down the group?

Lithium fizzes steadily.

What happens when lithium reacts with water?

Potassium gives off sparks and hydrogen burns with a lilac flame.

What occurs during potassium's reaction with water?

They all react with oxygen to form oxides.

How do the reactions of Group 1 metals with air differ?

It indicates a more vigorous reaction, which correlates with greater reactivity.

What does a greater number of bubbles during a reaction with water indicate about an alkali metal?

They have a single electron in their outer shell, leading to similar chemical properties.

What is a common property of alkaline metals in Group 1?

The reaction becomes more vigorous as you move down the group from lithium to potassium.

How does reactivity with water change from lithium to potassium?

An alkaline solution and hydrogen gas.

What forms when alkali metals react with water?