EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Group 1A (or IA) of the periodic table are the alkali metals: hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). These are (except for hydrogen) soft, shiny, low-melting, highly reactive metals, which tarnish when exposed to air.

Detailed explanation-2: -Group 1 elements include the alkali metals, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr. The alkali metals are all soft, shiny and metallic when cut. They react easily with water, have low melting points and densities, and are good conductors of electricity.

Detailed explanation-3: -Group one elements share common characteristics. They are all soft, silver metals. Due to their low ionization energy, these metals have low melting points and are highly reactive. The reactivity of this family increases as you move down the table.

Detailed explanation-4: -The first alkali metal in the modern periodic table is lithium (Li).

Detailed explanation-5: -Group 1 elements are called alkali metals because their oxides are soluble in water and group 2 elements are called alkaline earth metals as their oxides form in the earth and are water soluble.