Headings Alkali Metals Search Questions 
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The Alkali
Metals - Group 1 - Properties.
For shortcuts to the pages of this
section, see Alkali Metals.
The alkali metals are in group 1 on the left of the periodic table.
The alkali metals are all highly reactive,
losing their one outer electron to form a 1+ ion with non-metals.
They have to be stored under oil, or they react with oxygen in the air.
They are the most reactive metals.
Potassium and sodium are at the top of the reactivity series.
They all have the common properties of
metals, being silvery-grey in
colour,
and good conductors of heat and electricity.
They are unusually
soft, and can easily be cut with a
knife.
The first three members,
lithium, sodium and potassium,
are unique in being the only
metals
which are less dense than
water (they float!).
The next three members,
rubidium, caesium and francium,
are all too reactive or unstable
to be used.
All you need to know about these three
is that they have the same chemical
properties
as lithium, sodium and potassium.
They have low melting and boiling
points (for metals).
Potassium melts at 63 °C
(see melting
points of the elements for
the others).
Headings Alkali Metals Search Questions
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