You are on page 1of 1

Reactions of the elements in group 1

The elements in group 1 are all reactive metals that react readily with,
among other things, oxygen, water and halogens. The atoms all have one
electron in their outer shell, and virtually all reactions involve the loss of
this outer shell electron to form a positive ion, M+. The reactions become
more vigorous going down the group because the ionisation energy
decreases as the size of the atom increases. This means that, for example,
caesium loses its outer electron to form a positive ion much more easily
than sodium and will react more vigorously.
Reaction with oxygen
M2O is a basic oxide that will
The alkali metals react vigorously with oxygen and all tarnish rapidly in
dissolve in water to form an
air. The general equation for the reaction is:
alkaline solution, containing M+
and OH− ions. 4M(s) + O2(g) → 2M2O(s)

Reaction with water


The alkali metals react rapidly with water. The general equation for the
reaction is:

Lithium, sodium and potassium are 2M(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2MOH(aq) + H2(g)


all less dense than water. An alkaline solution is formed. The alkali metal hydroxides are strong
bases and ionise completely in aqueous solution (page 321).
The reaction with water becomes more vigorous going down the
group – sodium melts into a ball, fizzes rapidly and moves around on
the surface of the water; potassium bursts into flames (lilac); and caesium
explodes as soon as it comes into contact with water.

Group 17 elements
The elements in group 17 are known as the halogens. They are all non-
metals consisting of diatomic molecules (X2). Some properties are given in
Table 3.2.

Element Symbol Atomic Electron Colour Melting Boiling Physical state at room
number configuration point / °C point / °C temperature and pressure
fluorine F 9 [He]2s22p5 pale yellow −220 −188 gas
2 5
chlorine Cl 17 [Ne]3s 3p yellow–green −101 −35 gas
10 2 5
bromine Br 35 [Ar]3d 4s 4p deep red −7 59 liquid
liquid, orange
vapour
iodine I 53 [Kr]4d105s25p5 grey shiny 114 184 solid
solid, purple
vapour
Table 3.2  Properties of halogens.

98

You might also like