Group 1, the alkali metals, are soft metals that react quickly with water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Reactivity increases down the group. Melting points (°C): lithium 181, sodium 98, potassium 63, rubidium 39.
Group 17, the halogens, are reactive non-metals made of two-atom molecules (F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂). Reactivity decreases down the group. Boiling points (°C): fluorine −188, chlorine −34, bromine 59, iodine 184.
Group 18, the noble gases, such as helium, neon and argon, are colorless gases that hardly react at all.
Alkali metals and halogens are handled only by a teacher, in small amounts and with safety equipment.
9.Describe the trend in melting point down group 1 and predict the melting point of caesium, the next element after rubidium. 10.Balance the equation for sodium reacting with water: Na + H₂O → NaOH + H₂ (answer space)
11.Explain why reactivity increases down group 1. (answer space)
12.Use the boiling points to state whether each halogen is a solid, liquid or gas at 25 °C. (answer space)