Alkali Metals

Why are Group 1 metals more reactive as you go down?

Because the outer electron is further from the nucleus and has less attraction, which increases reactivity.

Lithium is the…

least reactive of the Alkali Metals because its outer electron is the closest to the nucleus.

Lithium burns…

with a crimson flame when it reacts with oxygen.

Lithium floats…

on water and releases hydrogen gas bubbles (it effervesces)

Lithium’s structure is…

(2,1)

Sodium is more reactive than Lithium because…

Sodium’s outer electron shell is further away from the nucleus than Lithium’s.

Sodium’s structure is…

(2,8,1)

Sodium floats…

on water, which releases enough heat to melt the sodium. The sodium then moves quickly across the surface of the water.

Sodium burns with…

a yellow/orange flame when it reacts with oxygen.

Potassium’s electronic structure is…

(2,8,8,1)

Potassium is more reactive than Lithium and Sodium because…

The outer electron is furthest and the least attractive to the nucleus.

The metal floats…

on a surface then burns with a lilac flame when it reacts with oxygen.