Group 1 and 2 metals
I can describe the pattern in reactivity of Group 1 metals with water and Group 2 metals with dilute acid, and compare the two groups' reactivity.
Group 1 and 2 metals
I can describe the pattern in reactivity of Group 1 metals with water and Group 2 metals with dilute acid, and compare the two groups' reactivity.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The properties of elements in each group in the periodic table change gradually down the group.
- Group 1 metals are all soft metals with lower densities than other metals, and become more reactive down the group.
- Group 1 metals react with water to form an alkaline solution and hydrogen, which is why they are called alkali metals.
- Group 2 metals react with dilute acids to make a salt plus hydrogen gas.
- Group 2 metals get more reactive as you go down the group, but are less reactive than Group 1 metal on the same period.
Keywords
Alkali - is a soluble base and has a pH of greater than 7.
Alkaline - a substance has the properties of an alkali, or contains an alkali. It is often used to refer to solutions of soluble bases with pH greater than 7.
Group - is a column on the periodic table that corresponds to the number of electrons in the outer shell of an atom.
Period - is a horizontal row on the periodic table. Each period corresponds to a number of shells of electrons in an atom of an element.
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 Group 1 and 2), not along a period.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Group 1 and 2 metals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Group 1 and 2 metals, 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.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Patterns in the periodic table unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Samples of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium; dilute HCl; 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.