C1 - alkali metals

what group are alkali metals?

group 1

What are properties of alkali metals?

Low density (float on water), shiny when cut but usually dull, soft, very reactive

Why are alkali metals very reactive?

Reactivity increases down the group, because as you go down the group, the electron becomes further away from the nucleus, making it easier to lose

Observations of alkali metal with oxygen

room temp - colour change from shiny grey to dull white, burn vigourously forming white smoke

Observations of alkali metal with chlorine

vigorous, lots of bright light and heat produced, produces a white solid

Observations of alkali metal with water

very vigorous, fizzing + bubbles, metal floats on water, eventually metal dissolves - potassium melts into a ball and bursts into a lilac flame