8.2 Group I Properties
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8. Name the specific Group I alkali metals listed in the syllabus and describe their general physical hardness.
The primary elements are lithium, sodium, and potassium. Structurally, they are distinctly soft and can be easily sliced with a laboratory knife.
9. What is the general trend for melting points as you move down Group I?
The melting points consistently decrease as you travel down Group I.
10. Describe the general trend for density as you move down the elements in Group I.
The relative density cleanly increases as you move down Group I (lithium, sodium, and potassium are buoyant enough to float on water).
11. Describe the general trend for reactivity as you move down the Group I alkali metals.
Chemical reactivity increases significantly as you move down the group, because the single valence electron resides further from the attractive nucleus, making loss of that electron easier.
12. What should you be able to do if provided with information about specific elements in Group I?
You should be able to deduce or predict corresponding physical and chemical properties of underlying elements like rubidium, cesium, or francium.