This introduction covers The Metals That Hate Water 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 1 of 13 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📖 The Metals That Hate Water
Alkali metals hold their outer electron like a hot potato — they can't wait to get rid of it! With only 1 electron in their outer shell, losing it gives the atom a stable full-shell configuration underneath. Now imagine the nucleus as a magnet and the outer electron as a paperclip. In lithium, the paperclip is close — the magnet grips it firmly. In potassium, the paperclip is three times further away, with inner electron shells blocking the pull — it escapes much more easily. The further away the electron sits, the less firmly the nucleus holds it, and the more readily the atom reacts.
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.