Group 1 and 2 metals
I can describe the pattern in the reactivity of Group 1 metals with water and Group 2 metals with dilute acid, and compare the reactivity of the two groups.
Group 1 and 2 metals
I can describe the pattern in the reactivity of Group 1 metals with water and Group 2 metals with dilute acid, and compare the reactivity of the two groups.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The properties of elements in each group of the periodic table change gradually down the group.
- Group 1 metals are soft, have lower densities than most other metals, and become more reactive down the group.
- Group 1 metals are called alkali metals because they react with water to form an alkaline solution and hydrogen gas.
- Group 2 metals react with dilute acids to form a salt and hydrogen gas.
- Group 2 metals become more reactive down the group, but they are less reactive than Group 1 metals in the same period.
Keywords
Alkali - An alkali is a soluble base with a pH greater than 7.
Alkaline - 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.
Group - A group is a column on the periodic table that corresponds to the number of electrons in the outer shell of an atom.
Period - A period is a row on the periodic table that corresponds to the number of electron shells in an atom.
Common misconception
Group 2 metals are more reactive than Group 1 because reactivity increases across the groups.
Group 1 metals are more reactive with water; reactivity increases down a group (for Groups 1 and 2), not along a period.
Equipment
samples of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, dilute hydrochloric acid, test tubes, universal indicator, scalpels, white tile, blotting paper, measuring cylinders, test tube racks
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - chemicals
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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.