How does the reactivity of alkali metals change as you go down the group?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the trend in reactivity of alkali metals as their atomic number increases down the group in the periodic table. We need to explain how their reactivity changes with respect to their position in the group.
Answer
Reactivity of alkali metals increases down the group.
The reactivity of alkali metals increases as you go down the group.
Answer for screen readers
The reactivity of alkali metals increases as you go down the group.
More Information
As you move down Group 1, alkali metals become more reactive due to the outermost electron being farther from the nucleus, reducing the nuclear attraction and making it easier to lose the electron.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that elements become less reactive due to increased atomic size. However, in Group 1, the increased distance and additional shielding make it easier to lose the single outer electron.
Sources
- The web page with info on - BBC Bitesize - bbc.co.uk
- Why does reactivity increase as you go down Group 1 metals? - MyTutor - mytutor.co.uk
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