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Alkali Metals quiz

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Terms in this set (15)

  • Which group of the periodic table contains the alkali metals?
    Alkali metals are found in group 1A of the periodic table.
  • Why is hydrogen not considered an alkali metal?
    Hydrogen is not a metal; it is a nonmetal, so it is not included with the alkali metals.
  • List the alkali metals found below hydrogen in group 1A.
    The alkali metals are lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium.
  • What type of solutions do alkali metals typically form?
    Alkali metals form basic (alkaline) solutions.
  • What is the electron configuration of alkali metals?
    Alkali metals have an ns1 electron configuration, meaning one valence electron in the outer shell.
  • Why do alkali metals have low ionization energies?
    Their single valence electron is weakly attracted to the nucleus, making it easy to remove.
  • In what form are alkali metals commonly found in nature?
    Alkali metals are commonly found as plus one cations (e.g., Na+) rather than in their neutral solid form.
  • What physical property makes alkali metals malleable?
    Their larger atomic radii and low densities contribute to their malleability.
  • How do alkali metals react with water?
    They react violently and exothermically, producing heat and explosions that increase down the group.
  • What happens to hydrogen during the reaction of alkali metals with water?
    Hydrogen is reduced, as its oxidation number decreases from +1 to 0.
  • What type of oxide does lithium form when reacting with oxygen?
    Lithium forms lithium oxide (Li2O) when reacting with oxygen.
  • What type of oxide does sodium form when reacting with oxygen?
    Sodium forms sodium peroxide (Na2O2) when reacting with oxygen.
  • What type of oxide do potassium, rubidium, and cesium form when reacting with oxygen?
    They form superoxides (e.g., KO2, RbO2, CsO2) when reacting with oxygen.
  • How do alkali metals react with halogens?
    They react with diatomic halogens to form ionic halides, such as NaCl or KBr.
  • Why are francium and astatine often excluded from discussions about alkali metals and halogens?
    Francium and astatine are radioactive, making their chemical behavior unpredictable and rarely discussed.