Properties of Group 1
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe patterns in the properties of Group 1 elements and explain how these are determined by their electron structures.
Key learning points
- Group 1 elements are very reactive and their reactivity increases down the group.
- Moving down Group 1 elements, atomic mass, density and melting points increase.
- In chemical reactions, atoms of Group 1 elements lose one outer electron leaving full electron shells.
- Going down Group 1, the outer electron of each element is attracted to the atomic nucleus with less force.
- Group 1 metals react with water to produce alkaline solutions.
Keywords
Alkali metals - Alkali metals are the elements in Group 1 of the periodic table which react with water to form strongly alkaline hydroxides.
Density - Density is a measurement of mass per unit volume; how tightly packed a substance's particles are in a particular space.
Alkali metal hydroxides - Alkali metal hydroxides are soluble compounds formed when the alkali metals react with water. They form colourless solutions.
Common misconception
Pupils can confuse the trend in reactivity down the group.
The practical reacting the metals with water helps to memorably demonstrate the trend, however it is important to ensure that pupils can explain why this happens.
Teacher tip
Very important that pupils can describe what they see when the alkali metals react. Good to first emphasise what is visible and then what is happening and why.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following symbols to their elements.
sodium
potassium
rubidium
francium
lithium
caesium
Q2.Elements are said to be in the same if they are in the same column of the periodic table.
Q3.Place these elements in order of decreasing relative atomic mass.
Q4.Elements in a group have similar physical properties. What is meant by a physical property?
Q5.What type of category best describes Group 1 elements?
Q6.Which Group 1 element has 55 protons, 55 electrons and 78 neutrons?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name given to Group 1 of the periodic table?
Q2.What is the correct electron configuration of sodium?
Q3.Reactivity down the group for Group 1 elements.
Q4.Place the following Group 1 metals in order of density. Starting with the least dense element first.
Q5.Explain why you would expect francium to be more reactive than caesium.
Q6.What are the products of the reaction between lithium and water?
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Properties of Group 1, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Properties of Group 1, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Groups of the periodic table unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.