Reactivity of Group 1 metals

These elements are found in the same group as they have the same number of electrons in their outer shells. They have similar properties as they all need to lose one electron to get a full outer shell. Trends: Atomic Size – Increases down the group, as the atoms have more shells Density – Increases down the group, as the atomic mass increases (more protons and neutrons). Reactivity – Increases down the group, as it is harder for the nucleus to attract the outer electron, as the outer shell is further from the nucleus and the inner shells shield the attractive force of the nucleus. So the outer electron is more easily lost

The Royal Society of Chemistry video below shows the reactivities of some of the Group 1 metals: