Alkali Metals

Alkali Metals have six elements in the periodic table, Group 1A. These six elements are the following:

• Lithium (Li)
• Sodium (Na)
• Potassium (K)
• Rubidium (Rb)
• Cesium (Cs)
• Francium (Fr)

All elements in 1A are all univalent. They are too reactive that you can't find a pure alkali metal molecule in nature. They all react violently with water. Therefore, they are usually stored under a layer that is called hydrocarbon oil.

Lithium

• Discovered by Swedish chemist
• Lightest known metal
• Shiny
• Only found in a combination with other elements
• Used in the manufacture of certain types of glass, batteries and ceramic products

Sodium

• Sodium is the sixth most abundant element
• Common table salt (When combined with carbon)
• Manufacture of some ceramics and glass

Potassium

• Abundant element
• Occurs mainly in clays and rocks
• Difficult
• Potassium salts are most expensive than sodium salts
• Can be used for militaristic purposes (Nuclear Weapons)
• Will explode when come in contact with water
• Is one of the needed elements in our diet, it helps cells (especially muscle cells) to reproduce
• Takes about 2.5 percent of the earths crust
• Used in glass and soaps and clear reactants

Rubidium

• Widely distributed in the earth’s crust
• Appears in small amounts that its production is limited

Cesium

• Low concentrations in mineral waters
• Cesium is still a mystery in some ways:

1. Using cesium as fuel of vehicles