# Describe the trend in reactivity of the alkali metals as you go down Group 1, and explain this trend in terms of atomic structure.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 2.1 Group 1 (alkali metals) · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

> Lithium, sodium and potassium are all alkali metals found in Group 1 of the periodic table. Each reacts with cold water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Reactivity increases going down Group 1 (from lithium to caesium)
2. The atoms have more electron shells / the outer electron is further from the nucleus going down the group
3. The outer electron is more easily lost / less energy is needed to remove the outer electron
4. Because the attraction between the nucleus and the outer electron decreases (as the electron is shielded / further away)

## Key terms

- [alkali metals](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkali-metals)
- [Group 1](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/group-1)
- [reactivity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reactivity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](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-the-trend-in-reactivity-of-c7d15c93) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.