THE PERIODICAL

TABLE OF
ELEMENTS

GROUP 1
Elements …

 Consists of lithium, sodium, potassium,

rubidium, caesium and francium.
Lithium
Sodium
Potassium
Rubidium
Caesium
Francium
 Physical Properties of
Alkaline Metals
 Soft solids
 Silvery and shiny
 Good conductors of heat and electricity
 Low melting and boiling points
 Low density (Floats on water surface)
 Physical Changes
Down Group 1
 Melting point and boiling point decreases.
 Electronegativity decreases.
 Hardness decreases.
 Density decreases.

 All have 1 valence electron.

 Chemical Properties of
Alkaline Metals
 Most reactive group of metals.
 All have 1 valence electrons – have similar
chemical properties.
 Form positive ions by donating 1 valence
electron to achieve stability.
 The electropositivity increases down the
group.
 Reaction with Oxygen

Alkali metals + oxygen Alkali metal oxides

 Reaction with Water
1

Alkali metals + water Alkaline metal hydroxides

 Reaction with Halogens

Alkali metals + Halogens Metal halide

 THINK

 Rubidium is below potassium in Group 1.

Predict whether it is more reactive or less
reactive than potassium.

For answer, click here

 ANSWER:

 Rubidium is more reactive than potassium

because the atomic size of rubidium is bigger.
 Thus, the outermost shell is further from the
nucleus.
 The force of attraction is weaker which makes it
easier for the valence electron to be given away
to achieve the stable octet arrangement.
 Safety Precautions

 Alkali metals must be kept under paraffin oil as

they are highly reactive to water and air.
 Only a very small piece of alkali metals should
be used during experiments as potassium,
rubidium, caesium and francium are explosive.
 Never handle alkali metals with bare fingers.
Sodium in paraffin oil
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR
ATTENTION

BY JANE LING CHIN