# Describe how the reactivity and melting point of the Group I metals change as you go down the group from lithium to caesium. Explain why reactivity changes in this way.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 8.2 Group I properties · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Reactivity increases going down Group I
2. Melting point decreases going down Group I
3. Each element has one outer-shell electron that is lost / transferred during reactions
4. Going down the group the outer electron is further from the nucleus / is more easily lost because there is more shielding / the nuclear attraction is weaker

## Key terms

- [Group I](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/group-i)
- [reactivity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reactivity)
- [melting point](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/melting-point)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-reactivity-and-melting-4ac6b2f4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.