Group 1 Practice Questions

Which element is an alkali metal?

Put a cross ( ☒ ) in the box next to your answer.

☐ A J

☐ B L

☐ C M

☐ D Q

Give two physical properties of the alkali metals.

Describe two things you would see happening to the piece of sodium.

At the end of the reaction the universal indicator in the trough has turned purple.

Name the compound formed that makes the solution alkaline, and name the other product of the reaction.

Write a word equation for the reaction of lithium with water.

Write the balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, for the reaction of lithium with water.

Use the table to describe the trend in reactivity of these group 1 metals with water.

Caesium is in group 1, below potassium.

Predict two observations the teacher would make if a small piece of caesium were added to water.

Suggest why the teacher used equal-sized pieces of each metal.

Rubidium is the next element down group 1 after potassium.

Which of these is most likely to be the melting point of rubidium?

Put a cross ( ☒ ) in the box next to your answer.

☐ A $-39\ ^\circ\mathrm{C}$

☐ B $39\ ^\circ\mathrm{C}$

☐ C $390\ ^\circ\mathrm{C}$

☐ D $630\ ^\circ\mathrm{C}$

The electronic configuration of sodium is 2.8.1. A rubidium atom has five occupied electron shells, with one electron in its outer shell.

Explain, in terms of their electronic configurations, why rubidium is more reactive than sodium.

Give the formula of each of the two products of this reaction.

A piece of red litmus paper is dipped into the solution at the end of the reaction. The litmus paper turns blue.

Explain this result.

A teacher demonstrates the reactions of lithium, sodium and potassium with water by adding a small piece of each metal to a large trough of water.

Describe what is seen in these three demonstrations, and explain, in terms of electronic configurations, the trend in reactivity shown.

Include in your answer a prediction of what would be seen if a small piece of rubidium were added to water.

When a small piece of sodium is added to a trough of water, the sodium quickly melts into a ball which then moves rapidly across the surface of the water.

Explain these observations.