Alkali Metals

list the properties an alkali metal

-soft

-low density

-low melting point

as you go down group 1 does it become more or less reactive?

more reactive

as you go down group 1 does the melting and boiling point increase or decrease?

it decreases

what is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed when one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom. Ionic bonds are also known as electrovalent bonds

what do ionic compounds usually look like?

they're normally white solids which dissolve in water to form a colourless solution eg. sodium chloride

why do alkali metals become more reactive as you go down the group?

outer electron experiences shielding effect from inner electrons reducing electrostatic force between outer electron and nucleus making outer electron easier to lose, also increased number of shell increases distance between outer electron and nucleus also reducing electro

alkali metal + water -->

metal hydroxide + hydrogen gas

alkali metals + chlorine -->

reacts vigorously to form white metal chloride salt and yellow chlorine gas dissapears

alkali metal+ oxygen -->

metal oxide which produces a dull layer of oxide on the surface of the metal(tarnish)

how do you prevent metal oxidation?

store it on oil

what happens when potassium reacts with water

Burns violently to form a lilac flame

quickly melts to form a ball

disappears rapidly

often with a small explosion’floats around