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 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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bases which are soluble in water are called alkalis.

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

Detailed explanation-5: -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.