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Year 11 - Science

Properties of Group 1

Groups of the periodic table

Unit Summary

This unit explores how elements' reactions are related to electron arrangement and atomic number. It covers the properties of Groups 1, 7, and 0 and explains how these depend on outer electrons. It also predicts element reactivity and reactions based on their positions in the periodic table.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe patterns in the properties of Group 1 elements and explain how these are determined by their electron structures.

Key Notes

  • Group 1 elements are very reactive and their reactivity increases down the group.
  • Moving down Group 1 elements, atomic mass, density and melting points increase.
  • In chemical reactions, atoms of Group 1 elements lose one outer electron leaving full electron shells.
  • Going down Group 1, the outer electron of each element is attracted to the atomic nucleus with less force.
  • Group 1 metals react with water to produce alkaline solutions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • alkali metals: Alkali metals are the elements in Group 1 of the periodic table which react with water to form strongly alkaline hydroxides.
  • density: Density is a measurement of mass per unit volume; how tightly packed a substance's particles are in a particular space.
  • alkali metal hydroxides: Alkali metal hydroxides are soluble compounds formed when the alkali metals react with water. They form colourless solutions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils can confuse the trend in reactivity down the group.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Group 1 elements are very reactive and their reactivity increases down the group. Moving down Group 1 elements, atomic mass, density and melting points increase.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'alkali metals'

Alkali metals are the elements in Group 1 of the periodic table which react with water to form strongly alkaline hydroxides. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils can confuse the trend in reactivity down the group. Correction: The practical reacting the metals with water helps to memorably demonstrate the trend, however it is important to ensure that pupils can explain why this happens.

More Lessons In This Unit

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