Alkali metals are a group of elements that includes lithium, sodium, and potassium. These metals are known for being very reactive, much more than many other elements. Let’s break down why they are so special:
One Electron in Outer Shell: Each alkali metal has just one electron in the outer layer of its atom. They want to have a complete outer layer, which means they are eager to get rid of that one electron.
Low Energy Needed to Lose Electron: It doesn’t take a lot of energy for these metals to lose their single electron. As you go down the list of alkali metals in the periodic table, it gets easier for them to let go of that electron.
How They React with Water: When alkali metals touch water, they react strongly. This reaction produces hydrogen gas and a substance called hydroxide. For instance, sodium reacts with water to make sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. In some cases, this can even lead to explosions!
To sum it up, alkali metals are super reactive because they really want to lose their one electron. This makes them stand out among the elements in the periodic table.
Alkali metals are a group of elements that includes lithium, sodium, and potassium. These metals are known for being very reactive, much more than many other elements. Let’s break down why they are so special:
One Electron in Outer Shell: Each alkali metal has just one electron in the outer layer of its atom. They want to have a complete outer layer, which means they are eager to get rid of that one electron.
Low Energy Needed to Lose Electron: It doesn’t take a lot of energy for these metals to lose their single electron. As you go down the list of alkali metals in the periodic table, it gets easier for them to let go of that electron.
How They React with Water: When alkali metals touch water, they react strongly. This reaction produces hydrogen gas and a substance called hydroxide. For instance, sodium reacts with water to make sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. In some cases, this can even lead to explosions!
To sum it up, alkali metals are super reactive because they really want to lose their one electron. This makes them stand out among the elements in the periodic table.