Group 1 and 2 metals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
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.
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.
Teacher tip
Ensure you have checked up-to-date guidance from CLEAPSS on the use of Group 1 and Group 2 metals, and thoroughly demonstrate and explain the practical safety measures before allowing pupils to take part.
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a group in the periodic table?
Q2.Which of the following statements correctly describes a chemical reaction?
Q3.A solution with a pH of 5 is ...
Q4.Which of the following statements correctly describes an acid?
Q5.Which element is in Group 1 and Period 2 of the periodic table?
Q6.Match the following types of reactions to their descriptions.
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.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements about Group 1 metals are correct?
Q2.Group 1 metals are also known as the metals.
Q3.Group 1 metals react with water to form an solution and hydrogen gas. They do not produce oxygen or acidic solutions.
Q4.Starting with the least reactive, sort the following Group 1 metals into order of increasing reactivity with water.
Q5.True or false? Sodium, calcium and potassium react with water or an acid to produce a solution with a pH greater than 7.
Q6.Group 2 metals react with dilute acids to form a salt and gas.
To help you plan your 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 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.
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 3 science lessons from the Patterns in the periodic table unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.