GROUP I ELEMENTS

Group 1 element:

Did you know that the elements in the periodic table are further classified on the basis of their properties? Well, depending on the nature of reaction that the metals display, some of the metals are called Alkali metals. Making such classification is sometimes vital to the understanding of different elements.

It also helps us in determining the expected outcome of a given element, based on its placement in the periodic table. Hence, studying alkali metals and their properties is very interesting and stimulating to the overall knowledge of the periodic table. Let us understand more about these metals.

Alkali Metals – Group 1 Elements

Included in the Group 1 of the periodic table are the following elements:

• Lithium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Rubidium
• Cesium

The general electronic configuration of Group 1 elements is ns¹. They have a strong tendency to donate their valence electron in the last shell to form strong ionic bonds. They have the least nuclear charge in their respective periods. As we move down the group, the atomic radius increases. Therefore, the nuclear charge decreases. Cesium is the most metallic element in the group.