All flashcards topics

Group 1Edexcel GCSE Chemistry: Flashcards

Card 1 of 110 of 11 known

Question

What are Group 1 elements commonly called?

Tap or press Space to reveal

Tap card or press Space to flip

See all 11 cards
What are Group 1 elements commonly called?
Alkali metals.
Name three alkali metals.
Lithium, sodium and potassium (also rubidium, caesium, francium).
Describe the physical properties of alkali metals.
They are soft (can be cut with a knife) and have relatively low melting points.
What are the products when an alkali metal reacts with water?
A metal hydroxide (alkali) and hydrogen gas.
Write the word equation for sodium reacting with water.
Sodium + water -> sodium hydroxide + hydrogen.
How does potassium's reaction with water differ from lithium's?
Potassium reacts much more violently — it melts and the hydrogen produced ignites with a lilac flame, whereas lithium fizzes steadily.
What is the trend in reactivity down Group 1?
Reactivity increases going down the group.
How many electrons are in the outer shell of a Group 1 atom?
One electron.
Why does reactivity increase down Group 1?
Atoms have more electron shells, so the outer electron is further from the nucleus and more shielded, making it easier to lose.
Predict how rubidium would react with water compared with potassium.
Rubidium would react even more violently than potassium, since it is further down Group 1.
What ion charge do Group 1 metals form?
1+ (they lose their single outer electron).