Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals may sound alike, but they have some important differences. Let's break it down:
Where They Are Found:
Alkali metals belong to Group 1 of the periodic table. These include lithium, sodium, and potassium.
On the other hand, alkaline earth metals belong to Group 2 and include beryllium, magnesium, and calcium.
How Reactive They Are:
Alkali metals are very reactive, especially when they come into contact with water. When they react with water, they create hydrogen gas and a substance called hydroxides.
Alkaline earth metals are less reactive, but they can still react with water, just not as strongly.
Electrons:
Alkali metals have one electron in their outer layer (called valence electron), while alkaline earth metals have two.
These differences are really important because they affect how these metals behave and what they can be used for!
Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals may sound alike, but they have some important differences. Let's break it down:
Where They Are Found:
Alkali metals belong to Group 1 of the periodic table. These include lithium, sodium, and potassium.
On the other hand, alkaline earth metals belong to Group 2 and include beryllium, magnesium, and calcium.
How Reactive They Are:
Alkali metals are very reactive, especially when they come into contact with water. When they react with water, they create hydrogen gas and a substance called hydroxides.
Alkaline earth metals are less reactive, but they can still react with water, just not as strongly.
Electrons:
Alkali metals have one electron in their outer layer (called valence electron), while alkaline earth metals have two.
These differences are really important because they affect how these metals behave and what they can be used for!