This key facts covers Reactions of Alkali Metals within Group 1: Alkali Metals for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Group 1: Alkali Metals in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 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 6 of 12 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 6 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
⚗️ Reactions of Alkali Metals
With WATER:
alkali metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen
Example: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂
- Lithium — fizzes gently, moves slowly
- Sodium — fizzes vigorously, melts into a ball, darts around
- Potassium — fizzes violently, lilac flame, may explode
With OXYGEN:
alkali metal + oxygen → metal oxide
Example: 4Li + O₂ → 2Li₂O
This is why they're stored under oil — to prevent reaction with air!
Quick Check: Write a word equation for the reaction of potassium with water.
potassium + water → potassium hydroxide + hydrogen. The symbol equation is: 2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂