Alkali Metals

The alkali metals are the series of elements in Group 1 of the periodic table (excluding hydrogen in all but one rare circumstance): lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). They are all highly reactive and are never found in elemental form in nature. As a result they are stored under oil. The alkali metals are silver-colored (caesium has a golden tinge), soft, low-density metals, which react readily with halogens to form ionic salts, and with water to form strongly alkaline (basic) hydroxides. These elements all have one electron in their outermost shell, so the energetically preferred state of achieving a filled electron shell is to lose one electron to form a singly charged positive ion.

Instituto Cumbres-Alpes

2 B secundaria

Chemistry

Alkali Metals

Pamela Duran

03/24/06