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The softness of alkali metals has to do with metallic bonding in terms of bonding and anti bonding orbitals. In molecular orbitals, there are the s, p, d orbitals with corresponding anti-bonding orbitals. For alkali metals, the s orbital is only partially filled. This means that the bonds between each atom are weak because only a cloud of s-orbital electrons are holding them together. As we move right across the Periodic Table the strength of metals reach a maximum at about group 7-8. This is because at this point anti-bonding and bonding orbitals are both partially filled and this maximizes the amount of unpaired electrons that participate in the electron cloud that holds metallic bonds together. As we proceed further right (toward Au) the bonds become weaker because the bonding and anti-bonding orbitals begin to fill and pair up. This means these electrons do not participate in the electron cloud of metallic bonding. Thus a weaker bond (softer metal) is formed.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoAlkali metals (Group I) readily lose 1 electron to form positive ions. Compared to alkali earth metals (Group II), alkali metals are more reactive because they only need to lose 1 valence electron to achieve stable electronic configuration. Unlike the metals in Group II, which need to lose 2 electrons. As such, they need to overcome the force exerted by the proton nucleus on 2 electrons instead of just one (for alkali metals).
As such, Group II metals have a higher activation energy and thus is less likely to react as compared to alkali metals.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe melting and boiling point of the alkali metals are low indicating week metallic bonding due to the presence of only a single valence electron in them. Hence alkali metals are soft.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agogenerally they are soft. they are softer than other metals.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoThey are generally softer.
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Do the alkali metals have the ability to tarnish?
By forming their oxides, the alkali metals tarnish very quickly with respect to many other metals.
Why the group 1 element of periodic table are called alkali metals?
Group 1A elements are active metals. They are so active that they are never found free in nature. They are usually stored in oil. They form compounds with oxygen that dissolve in water to give solutions that are alkaline or caustic. They are called alkali metals, or simply the alkalis.
What are the classes of elements on the periodic table?
non-metals .... alkali metals....transition metals....alkali earth metals....rare earth metals....other metals....halogens....inert elements
What are some characteristics of alkali metals?
Alkali Metals: the alkali metals are found in the first group of the periodic table, Alkali metals are very reactive metals and they are not freely in their nature, alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell. therefore alkali metals are ready to loose that one electron for bonding with other elements, alkali metals are good conductor of electricity and heat. they are soft in nature than other metals.The Alkali Metals are:lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium cesium, francium
Are alkali metals malleable?
No, they are soft but not very malleable compared with other metals.
What metals softer and more reactive than other metals?
Alkali metals Alkaline earth metals
How do alkali metals react with other alkali metals?
They don't
What name is given to group one elements in the periodic table?
The elements in Group 1 of the periodic table are called the alkali metals. The elements that make up this group are Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, cesium, and Francium. Hydrogen is not in this group even though it may look like it. The alkali metals are highly reactive metals that do not occur freely in nature. These metals have only one electron in their outer shell making them ready to lose that one electron in ionic bonding with other elements. Some other cool facts are: --Like other metals, alkali metals are malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity --The alkali metals are softer than most other metals. --Alkali metals can explode if they are exposed to water.
How are alkali metals different any from other metals?
Alkali metals are very reactive metals.
Are alkali metals next to the alkali earth metals?
yes, the metals are next to each other
Do the alkali metals have the ability to tarnish?
By forming their oxides, the alkali metals tarnish very quickly with respect to many other metals.
Why the group 1 element of periodic table are called alkali metals?
Group 1A elements are active metals. They are so active that they are never found free in nature. They are usually stored in oil. They form compounds with oxygen that dissolve in water to give solutions that are alkaline or caustic. They are called alkali metals, or simply the alkalis.
What are the classes of elements on the periodic table?
non-metals .... alkali metals....transition metals....alkali earth metals....rare earth metals....other metals....halogens....inert elements
What are some characteristics of alkali metals?
Alkali Metals: the alkali metals are found in the first group of the periodic table, Alkali metals are very reactive metals and they are not freely in their nature, alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell. therefore alkali metals are ready to loose that one electron for bonding with other elements, alkali metals are good conductor of electricity and heat. they are soft in nature than other metals.The Alkali Metals are:lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium cesium, francium
Other name for group of bases?
Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals
Are alkali metals malleable?
No, they are soft but not very malleable compared with other metals.
What are theSections of the periodic table?
There are eight classifications of elements in the periodic table. They are: Non-metals, transition metals, rare earth metals, halogens, alkali metals, alkali earth metals, other metals and inert elements.
