Trends in group 1 metals

                      Trends in group 1 metals .

Group 1 elements are called alkali metals. They are usually solid metals with high melting and boiling points.

The alkali metals make up Group 1 of the periodic table. This family consists of the elements lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr, respectively). Group one elements share common characteristics. They are all soft, silver metals. Due to their low ionization energy, these metals have low melting points and are highly reactive. The reactivity of this family increases as you move down the table. Alkali metals are noted for how vigorously they react with water.

Trends in atomic size of group 1 metals

                       Trends in boiling and melting points 

Interesting Facts about Alkali Metals

• Because they are so reactive with air and water, they are generally stored in oil.
• Cesium and rubidium are used to make atomic clocks. Cesium clocks are considered the most accurate of all clocks.
• Sodium and potassium both play an important role in biological life on Earth. We cannot live without them.
• Sometimes cesium is also spelled "caesium."
• They like to form salts by combining with halogens.
• The name "alkali" is derived from the Arabic word for "ashes."
• Different alkali metals burn with different colored flames including sodium (orange yellow), lithium (red), potassium (lilac), rubidium (red), and cesium (blue or violet).
• All alkali metals have odd atomic numbers.
• They are considered to be more similar to each other than any other group in the periodic table.
• The compound ammonium has very similar properties to the heavier alkali metals.
• When moving down the periodic table, each alkali metal has an increasing atomic radius as well as increasing reactivity.

Uses of alkali metals

Lithium, sodium, and potassium have many applications, while rubidium and caesium are very useful in academic contexts but do not have many
applications.

• Lithium is often used in batteries, and lithium oxide can help process silica.
•  Lithium can also be used to make lubricating greases, air treatment, and aluminum production.

• Pure sodium has many applications, including use in sodium-vapor lamps which produce very efficient light .
• Potassium has a vital rolel in biological system. KCl used as a fertilizer while KOH is used in the manufacture of soap.
• Caesium is used making photoelectric cells

Refer this link to see the reaction of alkali metals with water

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Eovgaa2QE