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Group 1 Elements - Alkali Metals

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Estimated time: 9 minutes
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Definition: Alkali Metals

The Group 1 elements (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr) are collectively called alkali metals. All elements except Hydrogen in this group are called alkali metals.

Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Key Points: Alkali Metals

Electronic Configurations:

Period Element Symbol Atomic No. Electronic Configuration
2 Lithium Li 3 [He] 2s¹
3 Sodium Na 11 [Ne] 3s¹
4 Potassium K 19 [Ar] 4s¹
5 Rubidium Rb 37 [Kr] 5s¹
6 Caesium Cs 55 [Xe] 6s¹
7 Francium Fr 87 [Rn] 7s¹
Francium is highly radioactive with isotope ²²³Fr having a half-life of 21 minutes.
Periodic Trends in Group 1
 
Property Trend Down the Group
Atomic radius Increases
Ionic radius Increases
Density Irregular trend
Ionisation enthalpy Decreases (lower IE → more reactive)
Melting point Decreases

Biological Importance

  • Na⁺ ions participate in the transmission of nerve signals
  • High concentration of Na⁺ and low concentration of K⁺ is found in blood plasma
  • High concentration of K⁺ and low concentration of Na⁺ is found inside human cells
  • K⁺ ions are essential for nerve impulse transmission and maintaining osmotic balance

Uses of Alkali Metals

  • Lithium is used in lithium-ion batteries
  • Potassium is used in manufacturing potassium superoxide (KO₂) for oxygen generation in submarines, mountaineering, and space equipment
  • Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer
  • Be is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors
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