FOCUS ON: Group 1 Elements - Alkali Metals

Part 1 - Keywords:

1. Group 1 Elements

2. Alkali Metals

3. Outer Shell

4. Reactivity

5. Oxygen

6. Chlorine

7. Water

8. Properties

9. Electron Shell

10. Trends

Part 2 - Key Facts:

Introduction to Group 1:

• The elements in Group 1 of the periodic table are known as alkali metals. They exhibit characteristic properties due to the presence of a single electron in their outer shell.

Reactions of Alkali Metals:

• Students should be able to describe the reactions of the first three alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium) with oxygen, chlorine, and water.

Reactivity Trend:

• In Group 1, reactivity increases going down the group. This trend is crucial in predicting the behaviour of alkali metals.

Student Competencies:

• Students should be able to explain how the properties of Group 1 elements depend on the outer shell of electrons and predict properties based on trends down the group.

Part 3 - Quick Quiz:

1. What is the common name for the elements in Group 1?

   a) Noble Gases

   b) Halogens

   c) Alkali Metals

   Answer: c) Alkali Metals

2. Why do alkali metals exhibit characteristic properties?

   a) Due to their atomic number

   b) Due to a single electron in their outer shell

   c) Due to their high density

   Answer: b) Due to a single electron in their outer shell

3. What trend is observed in the reactivity of alkali metals in Group 1?

   a) Reactivity decreases going down the group

   b) Reactivity remains constant across the group

   c) Reactivity increases going down the group

   Answer: c) Reactivity increases going down the group

Part 4 - Going Further:

Question: Discuss how the reactivity of alkali metals in Group 1 relates to the number of electrons in their outer shell. How does this trend impact their reactions with oxygen, chlorine, and water?

Answer: The reactivity of alkali metals in Group 1 increases with the number of electrons in their outer shell. This is because the outer electron is more easily lost. As you move down the group, the outer electron is farther from the nucleus, making it easier to lose, leading to increased reactivity. This trend influences their reactions with oxygen, chlorine, and water, resulting in characteristic behaviour.

Part 5 - Revision Tips: Focus on understanding the relationship between the outer shell of electrons and the reactivity of alkali metals. Practice predicting properties based on trends down the group and recall specific reactions with oxygen, chlorine, and water.

Part 6 - More Help: WANT 25% Off GCSE Science And Math Tuition OR Past Paper Revision Resources? Click this link - piacademy.co.uk and use this COUPON CODE - GCSE25.

Stay tuned for the next issue, where we'll explore more intriguing topics in GCSE Science.

Please note our last edition for 2023 will be on the 22nd December. We will be back in the new year from the 8th January. Enjoy your Winter break!