Alkali Metals
Submitted by on January 1, 1998
Category: Science
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The six chemical elements that are known as alkali metals are lithium (Li), sodium
(Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and the extremely rare radioactive
substance called francium (Fr). Cesium and Francium are the most reactive elements in
this group. The word alkali comes from the Arabic word al-qili, meaning plant ashes.
Plant
ashes were the first source of alkali metal compounds. The alkali metals occupy the first
column of the periodic table of the elements. Since these metals are all in the same group
on the periodic table of the elements they all have similar qualities. They all have a nS1
electron configuration. They do not occur freely in nature. They are softer than other
metals, and have lower melting points and densities....