Alkali Metal

Large univalent (1+) metal elements from Group 1 (leftmost column) on the periodic table: lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium or cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr). Note that hydrogen is not included within the Alkali Metals.

The alkali metals are silvery colored, soft, low density metals, which react readily with halogens to form ionic salts, and with water to form strongly alkaline (basic) hydroxides. They may be readily fused and volatilized; their melting and boiling points decrease with increasing atomic mass. They are the strongest electropositive metals and react vigorously, even violently, with water.


Some or all content above used with permission from J. H. Wittke.


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