There is only one electron in the outer most electron shell.
With the lighter (less massive) alkali metals, there are less electron shells, between the outer most electron and the nucleus. Since the nucleus is positive(Protons) it more strongly holds the outer most electron. However, when going down the Alkali (Group 1) metals there are more electron shells, so the outer most electron is further away from the nucleus, and thereby less strongly held.
This is evidenced by Lithium (The least massive) which only slowly effervesces in water. At the bottom of the group Francium ( The most massive) is explosive in water.
NB Francium is not used in the open laboratory because it is also radio-active.
In the Periodic Table they are found in Group (I). They are lithium, sodium , potassium , rubidium, caesium and francium. They become explosive on going down the group. Also francium is also radio-active. None of these metals are found 'native' on Earth. They all ionise and are found in other chemicals/substance on Earth. .e.g SALT Sodium chloride.
Group 1, the Alkali Metals, which are extremely reactive.
The alkali metals are more reactive.
The alkali metals in group 1 are the most reactive.
No. The alkali and alkaline earth metals are very reactive.
Highly reactive metals with one valence electron are known as Alkali metals.
Very reactive. None of these metals are found 'native' on Earth, like gold. They all ionise , and combine ionically to form other substances.
alkali metals
Alkali metals are very reactive metals.
Yes, alkali metals are highly reactive because they have one valence electron that they readily donate to achieve a stable electron configuration. This makes them extremely reactive with water and air, which results in explosive reactions.
alkali metals
Alkali metals are very reactive metals.