8.2

Group I - Alkali metals

9 flashcards to master Group I - Alkali metals

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Key Concept Flip

Describe the general trend in melting point as you descend Group I (alkali metals).

Answer Flip

The melting point decreases as you go down Group I.

Example: Lithium has a higher melting point than Sodium, which has a higher melting point than Potassium.
Key Concept Flip

Describe the general trend in density as you descend Group I (alkali metals).

Answer Flip

The density increases as you go down Group I.

Example: Potassium is denser than Sodium, which is denser than Lithium.
Key Concept Flip

Describe the general trend in reactivity as you descend Group I (alkali metals).

Answer Flip

The reactivity increases as you go down Group I. This means Potassium reacts more vigorously than Sodium with water, and Sodium more vigorously than Lithium.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how metallic bonding holds Group I metals together.

Answer Flip

Metallic bonding involves positive ions/atoms in a sea of delocalized electrons. There's an attraction between the positive ions and these mobile electrons. Electrons move/are mobile/flow.

Key Concept Flip

Predict the colour of the flame produced when Sodium is heated in a flame test.

Answer Flip

Sodium produces a yellow to orange flame in a flame test. This is a characteristic property used to identify sodium ions.

Key Concept Flip

Describe a property of Group I elements that makes them less suitable for structural purposes than transition metals.

Answer Flip

Group I elements are less strong / not strong, have low(er) density and are soft(er) compared to transition metals, making them less suitable for structural purposes.

Key Concept Flip

What is the general formula of the hydroxide formed when a Group I element reacts with water?

Answer Flip

The general formula is XOH, where X represents the Group I element.

Example: when potassium reacts with water, it forms potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Key Concept Flip

Order the following Group I elements in terms of increasing reactivity: Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Caesium.

Answer Flip

The order of increasing reactivity is: Lithium → Sodium → Potassium → Rubidium → Caesium. Caesium is the most reactive.

Key Concept Flip

If a Group I element reacts with bromine, which species loses electron(s)?

Answer Flip

When a Group I element reacts with bromine, the Group I element loses its valence electron to form a positive ion. Bromine gains this electron to form a bromide ion.

Example: when sodium reacts with bromine, sodium (Na) loses an electron to become Na⁺.

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8.1 Arrangement of elements 8.3 Group VII - Halogens

About Group I - Alkali metals (8.2)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Group I - Alkali metals for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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