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Periodic Table - Group 1 Elements
Group 1 metals react with non-metals forming an ionic bond.

Periodic Table - Group 1 Elements

Group 1 metals are highly reactive and form +1 ions. This GCSE Chemistry quiz revises trends, equations, and how alkali metals react with water and halogens.

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Fascinating Fact:

Lithium, sodium, and potassium float on water because they are less dense than water. They can also melt during the reaction because it releases heat.

In GCSE Chemistry, Group 1 are called the alkali metals and they all have one electron in their outer shell. They react by losing that electron to form 1+ ions. As you go down the group, the outer electron is lost more easily, so reactivity increases. You also learn common reaction patterns, such as metals reacting with water to form a metal hydroxide and hydrogen, and metals reacting with chlorine to form a metal chloride. Word and symbol equations help you describe these reactions clearly and compare how vigorous they are.

Key Terms

  • Alkali metal: A Group 1 element that reacts to form alkaline solutions and typically forms 1+ ions.
  • Reactivity trend: A pattern showing how easily elements react as you move through a group or period.
  • Oxidation: A process where a substance loses electrons, for example when Group 1 metals form 1+ ions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does reactivity increase down Group 1?

Reactivity increases down Group 1 because the outer electron is further from the nucleus and more shielded by inner electrons. This reduces attraction, so the electron is lost more easily.

What is the general equation for Group 1 metals reacting with water?

The general equation is: metal + water ? metal hydroxide + hydrogen. The metal hydroxide makes the solution alkaline because it releases hydroxide ions in water.

What ion do Group 1 elements form in compounds?

Group 1 elements form 1+ ions because each atom loses one outer-shell electron. This gives them a full outer shell and a stable electronic structure.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
Group 1 elements are also known as...
Alkali metals
Alkali earth metals
Noble gases
Halogens
When they react with water they form strong alkalis
2 .
Choose the correct order from the top to bottom of group 1.
Li, Na, Fr, K, Cs, Rb
Fr, Cs, Rb, K, Na, Li
Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr
Li, K, Na, Cs, Fr, Rb
The size of the atoms increases down the group
3 .
Group 1 elements only form what type of ion?
1+
2+
3+
2-
They all lose one electron to achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas
4 .
What colour flame is seen when potassium reacts with water?
Green
Blue
Orange
Lilac
This is the characteristic colour of the flame when sodium vapour ignites
5 .
What gas is given off when group 1 elements react with water?
Chlorine gas
Water vapour
Hydrogen gas
Carbon dioxide gas
Hydrogen gas burns with a squeaky pop
6 .
When a group 1 element reacts with water, a hydroxide is formed. What colour could Universal Indicator turn in this solution?
Blue
Red
Orange
Green
Hydroxides are alkalis, group 1 metals form strong alkalis. Depending on the quantities of metal and water used in the experiment, the final pH will therefore be 12 - 14, which would show up as blue or purple when Universal Indicator is used. Red and orange indicate acidic conditions, green indicates a neutral solution
7 .
Group 1 metals react with non-metals forming what type of bond?
Covalent
Ionic
Metallic
Hydrogen
One electron is transferred to a non-metal atom during the reaction
8 .
Which of the following is NOT a property of group 1 metals?
Shiny when cut
Low density
Very hard
Low melting point
These metals can easily be cut using a scalpel
9 .
How many electrons are in the outer shell of group 1 elements?
2
8
1
0
That is why their group is named 'group 1'
10 .
The reactivity of group 1 elements increases down the group. This is because...
it becomes easier to lose an electron
it becomes harder to lose an electron
it becomes easier to gain an electron
it becomes harder to gain an electron
It becomes easier because the attraction between the positive protons in the nucleus and the electrons in the outer shell becomes weaker as the distance becomes greater
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Groups in the periodic table

Author:  Kate Gardiner (Chemistry Educator & GCSE Quiz Writer)
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