Which group of the periodic table contains the most reactive metals?

• A. Group 17 (Halogens)
• B. Group 1 (Alkali metals)
• C. Group 2 (Alkaline earth metals)
• D. Group 18 (Noble gases)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that reactivity in metals generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table because atoms more easily lose electrons due to increased atomic size and shielding effect.
2. Recognize that Group 1 elements, known as Alkali metals, have a single electron in their outermost shell, which they tend to lose easily to form positive ions, making them highly reactive.
3. Compare Group 1 with Group 2 (Alkaline earth metals), which have two valence electrons and are less reactive because it requires more energy to remove two electrons than one.
4. Note that Group 17 (Halogens) are nonmetals and their reactivity involves gaining electrons, not losing them, so they are not metals and thus not the most reactive metals.
5. Understand that Group 18 (Noble gases) are very stable and generally unreactive due to their full valence electron shells, so they do not contain reactive metals.