Chemistry Chapter(12) Group IA Elements (Alkali Metals)

·       This group includes Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium,  Caesium, and Francium.

·       These elements are collectively called alkali metals since they form strong alkali oxides and hydroxides.

·       Fr is a radioactive element.

·       With the exception of Li, alkali metals are extremely soft and readily fused.

·       These are highly malleable and ductile.

·       From Li to Cs, there is an increase of atomic & ionic radii.

·       Melting and boiling points are very low because of the pressure of weak interatomic bonds in the solid states of alkali metals.

·       Alkali metals have low ionization energies. Ionization energy goes on decreasing  from Li to Cs.

·       These elements show strong electropositive or metallic character.

·       They act as strong reducing agents.

·       Alkali metals are good conductors of electricity or metallic character.

·       Lithium salt are strongly covalent while other alkali metal salt are ions.

·       Alkali metal react with O₂ or air rapidly and thus get tarnished due to the formation of their oxide on the surface of metals.

·       Alkali metal hydroxides are crystalline solids. These are ionic compounds, highly soluble in water and alcohol. The basic character of there hydroxides increases from LiOH to CsOH.

·       Alkali metals dissolve readily in mercury and from amalgams.

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