Which of the following general properties are matched with the correct group in the periodic table?

• A. lustrous, silvery metals, less reactive in water - noble gases
• B. soft, silvery metals that react rapidly with water - alkali metals
• C. inert gases or very low chemical reactivity - halogens
• D. nonmetallic, corrosive, found in nature combined with other elements - alkaline earth metals

Answer: (B)