Physical Properties
Part of Group 1: Alkali Metals · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision
This key facts covers Physical Properties within Group 1: Alkali Metals for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Group 1: Alkali Metals in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 5 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 5 of 13
Practice
22 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📌 Physical Properties
Alkali metals are unusual for metals:
- Soft — can be cut with a knife!
- Low density — Li, Na, K float on water
- Low melting points — much lower than typical metals
- Shiny when fresh — but quickly tarnish in air
Trends down the group:
- Melting point decreases
- Density increases (but Li, Na, and K are all still less dense than water — which is why all three float on its surface)
- Reactivity increases
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Group 1: Alkali Metals. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Group 1: Alkali Metals
How many electrons do alkali metals have in their outermost shell?
Explain why potassium is more reactive than sodium when it reacts with water.
Quick Recall Flashcards
22 questions on Group 1: Alkali Metals — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 20 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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