electropositive, mono- valent metals forming strongly alkaline hydroxides. Alkaline Earth Metals- they are reactive, electro positive, divalent metals and form basic oxides that react with water. Noble Gases- group of rare gases and exhibit great stability and extremely low reaction rates. Halogens- they are reactive nonmetallic elements that form strongly acidic compound with hydrogen. Actinides- includes mostly man made elements. They are named after the first element in the series. Lanthanides- are often called the rare earth elements. They are called lanthanides because the exhibit similar properties to lanthanum.