Groups of elements - lithium – batteries

We have already seen how the - sodium – street lights

periodic table arranges the
elements into vertical columns
called groups or families of
elements. All the elements of a
particular group have the same
number of electrons in their
outer shells. It follows that all
the elements in a group will
behave in a similar way
chemically. We will now take a
closer look at one of the groups:
the alkali metals (group I).
Physical properties
- soft
- shiny (lustrous)
- low densities – float
Chemical properties
- extremely reactive
- never found free in nature
- must be stored under oil
Reaction with oxygen
- react slowly
- dull outer crust of oxide
- burn rapidly – coloured
flame
- white oxide
- potassium – fertilisers
Summary:
- Atoms of elements in the
same group all have the
same number of electrons
in their outermost shells.
- All elements in the same
group show similar
chemical properties.
- Group I elements, the
alkali metals are soft and
shiny, with low densities.
- The alkali metals react
with oxygen to form
oxides.
- The alkali metals react
with water to form
hydroxides and hydrogen
gas.
- Reactivity increases going
down the group in the
alkali metals.

Reaction with water

- react vigorously
- form hydrogen gas
- form metal hydroxide -
base

Trends within the alkali

metals
- lithium, sodium,
potassium
- potassium – most reactive
- lithium – least reactive

Uses of alkali metals