Chemistry - Group 1 (Alkali Metals)

All group 1 elements are:

Highly reactive with water and have a low density so float on water

Due to being highly reactive with air…

They all burn as coloured flames and must be stored in sealed bottles under oil

They all react similarly because…

They all have 1 electron in their outershell

Physical properties of group 1 metals:

They have low melting points compared to most metals and are softer than most metals, allowing them to be cut with a knife.

When cut they:

Are shiny but turn dull almost immediatley because they are highly reactive with O2