Worksheet 4.

3B Group 1 elements

The elements in Group 1 are sometimes called the alkali metals. They have some properties
in common.
1 Complete the statements below using the terms shown here. You may use each of these terms
once, more than once or not at all.
acid calcium down easily hard hydrogen less lithium magnesium
more not oil oxygen potassium reactive sodium soft unreactive up
Lithium
a The first three elements in Group 1 are ……………., Sodium
……………. Potassium .
and …………….

Soft
b The Group 1 elements are very ……………. Easily be cut with a knife.
. They can …………….
Oil
c The Group 1 elements are stored under ……………. Reactive .
because they are very …………….

Hydrogen .
d When these elements react with water they form the gas …………….
More
e The elements are ……………. Down
reactive with water as you go ……………. the group.

2 Complete the table below.

Element Symbol Description of reaction with water Electronic structure

lithium

Lithium reacts intense 2 in the first shell 1 in

with water which the outer shell
Li
forms lithium hydroxide

2,1

sodium

Sodium reacts fast with 2 in the first shell 8 in the

Na water and forms a colorless second shell and one in the
sodium hydroxide last shell

2,8,1

potassium

Potassium reacts very rapidly 2 in the first shell 8 in the

with water to form colorless second shell 8 in the third
K basic solution of shell and 1 in the
potassium hydroxide outer shell
2,8,8,1

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