You probably think of water as a substance that can put out fires. But some elements are so reactive that they burn in water. In fact, they virtually explode in water. That’s what is happening in the photo above. About 3 pounds of sodium were added to water, and the result was this explosive reaction. Why is sodium such a reactive element? In this lesson you will find out.
The First Group
Sodium (Na) is an element in group 1 of the periodic table of the elements. This group (column) of the table is shown below. It includes the nonmetal hydrogen (H) and six metals that are called alkali metals. Elements in the same group of the periodic table have the same number of valence electrons. These are the electrons in their outer energy level that can be involved in chemical reactions. Valence electrons determine many of the properties of an element, so elements in the same group have similar properties. All the elements in group 1 have just one valence electron. This makes them very reactive.
Q: Why does having just one valence electron make group 1 elements very reactive?
A: With just one valence electron, group 1 elements are “eager” to lose that electron. Doing so allows them to achieve a full outer energy level and maximum stability.
Reactivity of Group 1 Elements
Hydrogen is a very reactive gas, and the alkali metals are even more reactive. In fact, they are the most reactive metals and, along with the elements in group 17, are the most reactive of all elements. The reactivity of alkali metals increases from the top to the bottom of the group, so lithium (Li) is the least reactive alkali metal and francium (Fr) is the most reactive. Because alkali metals are so reactive, they are found in nature only in combination with other elements. They often combine with group 17 elements, which are very “eager” to gain an electron.
Other Properties of Alkali Metals
Besides being very reactive, alkali metals share a number of other properties.
- Alkali metals are all solids at room temperature.
- Alkali metals are low in density, and some of them float on water.
- Alkali metals are relatively soft. Some are even soft enough to cut with a knife, like the sodium pictured below.
Summary
- Group 1 of the periodic table includes hydrogen and the alkali metals.
- Because they have just one valence electron, group 1 elements are very reactive. As a result, they are found in nature only in combination with other elements.
- Alkali metals are all solids at room temperature. They are relatively soft and low in density.
- From the top to the bottom of group 1, the elements have heavier, more reactive atoms.
