An alkali is a soluble base with a pH greater than 7.

Alkaline refers to a substance that has the properties of an alkali or contains an alkali. It is often used to describe solutions of soluble bases with a pH greater than 7.

A group is a column on the periodic table that corresponds to the number of electrons in the outer shell of an atom.

A period is a row on the periodic table that corresponds to the number of electron shells in an atom.

Group 1 and 2 metals

Science

In the Atomic structure and the periodic table unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about how the structure of atoms in each element determine its position on the periodic table and affects its chemical and physical properties.

In the Atoms, elements and compounds unit, pupils learnt about atoms, the differences between elements and compounds and how particles reorganise in a chemical reaction

This unit explores the periodic table, including the principles behind Mendeleev's design, the arrangement of elements into periods and groups, and the classification of metals and non-metals. It examines how the physical and chemical properties of elements predict reaction patterns.

Patterns in the periodic table

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

They have lower densities than other metals.

They become more reactive down the group.

They form acidic solutions when reacting with water.

Which of the following statements about Group 1 metals are correct?

Group 1 metals are also known as the {{}} metals.

Group 1 metals react with water to form an {{}} solution and hydrogen gas. They do not produce oxygen or acidic solutions.

Starting with the least reactive, sort the following Group 1 metals into order of increasing reactivity with water.

True or false? Sodium, calcium and potassium react with water or an acid to produce a solution with a pH greater than 7.

Group 2 metals react with dilute acids to form a salt and {{}} gas.

A row of elements with the same number of electron shells.

A column of elements with the same number of electrons in their outer shell.

A row of elements arranged by increasing atomic number.

A column of elements with the same number of protons.

Elements are arranged based on atomic mass.

Substances interact to form new products.

Which of the following statements correctly describes a chemical reaction?

It reacts with bases to form water and a salt.

Which of the following statements correctly describes an acid?

Which element is in Group 1 and Period 2 of the periodic table?

An acid reacts with a base to form a salt and water.

A substance reacts with oxygen, releasing energy.

An element replaces another in a compound.

A single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.

Match the following types of reactions to their descriptions.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - chemicals

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Group 1 and 2 metals

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.