An Overview of the

Elements
 Group 1: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr
• Known
  as the Alkali Metals.
• Very active metals; lose 1 e-
• Shiny soft solids at room temperature.
• React with water to form alkaline
hydroxides and hydrogen gas.

Li Na K
 Group 2: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra
• Known as the Alkaline Earth Metals.
• Less reactive than alkali metals; lose 2e-.
• Also react with water (less vigorously) to
produce alkaline solutions.

• Calcium, the 5th most abundant element

in earth’s crust, is found in large limestone
deposits.
• CaCO3, calcium carbonate is found in
limestone, corals, sea shells, marble and
chalk.
 Flame Test for Group 1 and 2 Metals
• Some Group 1 and 2 metals can be identified by the distinct colour they
produce when heated in a flame.

Element Flame Colour

Li Crimson
Na Yellow-orange
K Lilac
Ca Brick red
Sr Bright red/red-
orange
Ba Apple green
 Group 4: C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb
• Change from non-metal C and Si, to metalloid Ge,
to metallic Sn and Pb.
• Bonding changes from covalent to metallic as the
group is descended.
• Carbon shows the unusual ability to form double
and triple covalent bonds.
• The branch of chemistry which deals with carbon
compounds is called ‘organic chemistry’.
• Carbon exists in several forms in the same physical
state (allotropes), e.g. diamond and graphite.
Group 7: F, Cl, Br, I
• Known as the Halogens.
• All non-metals.
• Exist as diatomic molecules.
• Gain electrons due to their ns2p5 config.
• large negative electron affinities and large positive
ionization energies.