Group I Elements Aka The Alkali Metals: K(S) +O2 (G) KO2(s)
Group I Elements Aka The Alkali Metals: K(S) +O2 (G) KO2(s)
Group I Elements Aka The Alkali Metals: K(S) +O2 (G) KO2(s)
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Form +1 ions as they lose 1 valence electron to obtain the “stable” octet state
Very reactive (as they only need to lose one valence electron)
Reactivity of Group I elements increases down the group. This is because as atomic
size increases down the group, the lone valence electron is further away from the
nucleus and thus, less attracted by it. Hence, it is easier to lose that electron and
form ions.
React with oxygen easily (even violently) and hence are kept under oil eg.
4Li(s)+O2(g)→2Li2O(s)
K(s)+O2(g)→KO2(s)
Lithium, sodium and potassium burn with a red, orange and lilac flame respectively
with oxygen.
React with water vigorously to form alkaline hydroxides (and hence, Group I
elements are also known as Alkali Metals) eg.
2Na(s)+2H2O(l)→2NaOH(aq)+H2(g)
This reaction with water gives out a lot of heat (ie. exothermic reactions. See
Chemical Energy), which may ignite the formed hydrogen gas and cause a fire or
explosion.
React with Group VII elements vigorously to form ionic salts eg.
2K(s)+Cl2(g)→2KCl(s)
In summary, all compounds of Group I Elements are 1) colourless, 2) soluble in water and 3)
stable to heating (as these alkali metals form strong bonds which do not break down easily
on heating).
Group VII Elements aka The Halogens
– Are poisonous
Low melting and boiling points. These increase down the group
Low densities. Densities increase down the group
Poor conductors of heat and electricity
Are coloured atoms. Colours intensify and darken down the group
eg. At room temperatures, fluorine gas is pale yellow, chlorine gas is yellowish green,
bromine liquid is dark red/ brown, iodine solid is bluish black
Cl2(g)+2NaBr(aq)→2NaCl(aq)+Br2(aq)
In the above reaction, the pale yellowish green chlorine gas will disappear as it is
bubbled through the colourless sodium bromide solution. The solution will be
coloured reddish brown by the bromine ions which had been displaced. If there are
no colour change, no displacement reaction has occurred. A displacement reaction is
an example of a redox reaction (See Oxidation and Reduction).
Group O Elements aka The Noble Gases
Chemically stable and do not usually react with other elements ie. they are inert
With the exception of helium, all the noble gases have 8 electrons in their outer
most shell
Exist as monatomic atoms
Are colourless gases with low melting and boiling points
Low densities which increases down the group
Widely used due to their chemical stability eg. Helium is used as a fuel to power
lightweight aircraft, neon is used in television tubes, advertising lightings, argon is
used in arc welding etc.