The structure of alkali metals, which are found in Group 1 of the periodic table, affects how they behave. This can create challenges when using them.

1. Electron Setup:

   • Alkali metals have one electron in their outer shell. This setup makes them very reactive because they want to lose that electron to become stable, like a noble gas.
   • Their reactivity goes up as you move down the group. This means they can easily react with moisture and air, which can be dangerous.

2. Softness and Structure:

   • These metals are soft and have low melting points. This can make them hard to use in industries that need strong materials. Their softness can cause problems when it comes to how well they hold up under pressure.

3. Solutions:

   • To avoid these issues, alkali metals can be kept in oil. This keeps them from reacting with moisture and air.
   • Mixing them with other metals can improve their strength and stability. This way, we can use them for more applications, even with their challenges.

Even though alkali metals have some difficulties because of their atomic structure, knowing these challenges can help us find ways to use their unique qualities effectively.