Examples of alkali metals

📚 Quick Study Guide

⚛️ Alkali metals are in Group 1 of the periodic table (excluding Hydrogen). 🌡️ They are highly reactive due to their single valence electron. ✨ They are typically shiny, silvery-white, and soft enough to be cut with a knife. ⚡ Alkali metals readily lose their valence electron to form +1 cations. 🔥 They react vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and heat. The general reaction is: $2M(s) + 2H_2O(l) \rightarrow 2MOH(aq) + H_2(g)$, where M represents the alkali metal. ⚖️ Reactivity increases as you move down the group (Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs < Fr). 💡 Common examples include Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), and Francium (Fr).

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT an alkali metal?
   1. A. Sodium (Na)
   2. B. Potassium (K)
   3. C. Calcium (Ca)
   4. D. Lithium (Li)
2. What is the typical charge of an alkali metal ion?
   1. A. -1
   2. B. +2
   3. C. -2
   4. D. +1
3. Which alkali metal is the most reactive?
   1. A. Lithium (Li)
   2. B. Sodium (Na)
   3. C. Cesium (Cs)
   4. D. Potassium (K)
4. What gas is produced when alkali metals react with water?
   1. A. Oxygen
   2. B. Carbon Dioxide
   3. C. Hydrogen
   4. D. Nitrogen
5. Which of these alkali metals is used in batteries?
   1. A. Rubidium (Rb)
   2. B. Cesium (Cs)
   3. C. Lithium (Li)
   4. D. Francium (Fr)
6. Which alkali metal is radioactive?
   1. A. Sodium (Na)
   2. B. Potassium (K)
   3. C. Francium (Fr)
   4. D. Lithium (Li)
7. What general property do alkali metals share?
   1. A. High density
   2. B. Low reactivity
   3. C. Good conductors of electricity
   4. D. Poor conductors of electricity