Alkali metals, which include lithium, sodium, and potassium, are really good at reacting with other things. But why do they react so much?
It all has to do with how their atoms are built.
These metals have only one electron in their outer layer. This single electron is easy to lose, which makes them want to react with other elements.
For example, sodium can explode when it comes into contact with water!
On the flip side, we have noble gases like helium and neon. These gases have full outer layers, making them very stable. Because of this, they don’t feel the need to react with other elements at all.
Let’s compare them quickly:
Alkali Metals:
Noble Gases:
So, the way the electrons are set up in these atoms is why they react differently!
Alkali metals, which include lithium, sodium, and potassium, are really good at reacting with other things. But why do they react so much?
It all has to do with how their atoms are built.
These metals have only one electron in their outer layer. This single electron is easy to lose, which makes them want to react with other elements.
For example, sodium can explode when it comes into contact with water!
On the flip side, we have noble gases like helium and neon. These gases have full outer layers, making them very stable. Because of this, they don’t feel the need to react with other elements at all.
Let’s compare them quickly:
Alkali Metals:
Noble Gases:
So, the way the electrons are set up in these atoms is why they react differently!