Group I Elements Alkali Metals

The first 3 Group I

elements are lithium (Li),
sodium (Na) and
potassium (K).
They are called alkali metals because
they react with water to form alkalis.
Alkali metals have similar physical
and chemical properties.
Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

Physical Properties of the Alkali

Metals
Alkali metals are soft. They can be cut easily.
When freshly cut, each of these elements shows a shiny and
silvery surface that rapidly tarnishes in air.

The alkali metals have low melting and boiling points.

The alkali metals have low densities.
Lithium, sodium and potassium float on water.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

How do the physical properties

change on going down Group I?

The melting points and boiling points of the

alkali metals decrease on going down the group.
The density of the alkali metals generally
increases down the group.
Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

How can we use the Periodic Table to

predict the properties of alkali metals?
Predict the melting
point of caesium,
which is below
rubidium.
The melting points of alkali metals decrease down the
group.
Hence, the melting point of caesium, the element below
rubidium, should be below 38 oC.
In fact, it is 28 oC.
Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

Chemical Properties of the Alkali

Metals
The alkali metals are reactive metals.
They are stored in oil to prevent them from
reacting with air and water.

Each alkali metal has 1 valence electron in the valence

shell.
Due to their similar electronic structures, all alkali
metals have similar chemical properties.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

How do alkali metals react with

water?
All the alkali metals react with cold water to form
hydrogen and an alkali.

If a drop of the solution is placed on a piece of red litmus

paper after the reaction, the litmus paper will turn blue.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

How do alkali metals react with water?

Lithium reacts quickly with water. No flame is seen.

Sodium reacts very quickly with water.

Sodium melts to form a white globule.
It darts around the water surface.
A yellow flame is seen.

Potassium reacts violently with water. Potassium melts.

A purple flame is seen.
Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

Why are alkali metals powerful

reducing agents?
All Group I elements form ions with a charge of
+1 by losing one electron from the outer shell.

Li Li+ + eSince the alkali metals give away their electrons readily,
they behave as powerful reducing agents.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

Do all alkali metals have the same

reactivity?

As we go down Group I, the size of

the atom increases. Sodium is bigger
than lithium, and potassium is bigger
than sodium.

It is easier to lose the valence electron

from bigger atoms.
Hence, reactivity increases on going
down Group I.
Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish

Properties of Compounds of the

Alkali Metals
Compounds of the alkali metals are ionic, soluble in
water, and have similar chemical formulas.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish