Group 1 – Alkali Metals
The Group 1 elements are placed in the vertical column on the left-hand side of the periodic table. Group 1 elements form alkaline solutions when they react with water, which is why they are called alkali metals. Lithium, sodium and potassium all belong to alkali metals. All Group 1 elements have 1 electron in their outer shell.
Chemical Symbols:
| Element | Symbol | Atomic No. |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium | Li | 3 |
| Sodium | Na | 11 |
| Potassium | K | 19 |
| Rubidium | Rb | 37 |
| Caesium | Cs | 55 |
| Francium | Fr | 87 |
It is important to learn the physical and chemical properties of the first three elements in this group. Francium is radioactive and is formed during the radioactive decay of actinium. Its isotopes are exceedingly short-lived and thus little is known about this element.