Properties of Group 1
I can describe patterns in the properties of Group 1 elements and explain how these are determined by their electron structures.
Properties of Group 1
I can describe patterns in the properties of Group 1 elements and explain how these are determined by their electron structures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Group 1 elements are very reactive and their reactivity increases down the group.
- Moving down Group 1 elements, atomic mass, density and melting points increase.
- In chemical reactions, atoms of Group 1 elements lose one outer electron leaving full electron shells.
- Going down Group 1, the outer electron of each element is attracted to the atomic nucleus with less force.
- Group 1 metals react with water to produce alkaline solutions.
Keywords
Alkali metals - Alkali metals are the elements in Group 1 of the periodic table which react with water to form strongly alkaline hydroxides.
Density - Density is a measurement of mass per unit volume; how tightly packed a substance's particles are in a particular space.
Alkali metal hydroxides - Alkali metal hydroxides are soluble compounds formed when the alkali metals react with water. They form colourless solutions.
Common misconception
Pupils can confuse the trend in reactivity down the group.
The practical reacting the metals with water helps to memorably demonstrate the trend, however it is important to ensure that pupils can explain why this happens.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
sodium
potassium
rubidium
francium
lithium
caesium