Alkali Metals
By: Izzy, Anna, Parker, Satchel
Where are alkali metals on the periodic table?
When do alkali metals explode?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55kgyApYrY&edufilter=Db24N54Eu_vpe4P65Iz5Fa&safe=active
What are the alkali metals?
The element Cesium has an atomic number of 55 and an atomic mass of 132.9. The element symbol is Cs.
The element Rubidium has an atomic number of 37 and an atomic mass of 85.47. The element symbol is Rb.
The element Potassium has an atomic number of 19 and an atomic mass of 39.10. The element symbol is K.
The element Sodium has an atomic number of 11 and an atomic mass of 22.99. The element symbol is Na.
The element Lithium has an atomic number of 3 and an atomic mass of 6.941. The element symbol is Li.
What is the discovery history for the elements?
Sodium was discovered by Sir Humphry Davy in 1807.
Potassium was discovered in a pot from some ash of burnt wood/tree leaves by Sir Humphry Davy 1807.
Rubidium was discovered in 1861 by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in Lepidolite and was created from the reaction of chloride with potassium.
Cesium was discovered by Bunsen and Kirchhoff in 1860 from water in Durkheim, Germany.
Francium was discovered by Marguerite Perey in Paris, France in 1939 while purifying samples of actinium-227.
What are the melting points of the elements?
Sodium's melting point is 97.8 degrees C and 208.04 degrees F.
Potassium's melting point is 759 C and 1399 F.
Francium's melting point is 27 C and 81 F.
Rubidium's melting point is 39.31 C and 102.75 F.
Cesium's melting point is 28.44 C and 83.19 F.
What are some uses of the elements?
Sodium is combined with chlorine to create table salt.
Potassium is found in bananas.
What are some safety/environmental concerns?
When alkali metals come in contact with water, they will explode.
Robert Bunson and Gustav Kirchhoff
Marguerite Perey
Sir Himphry Davy
Johann August Arfvedson
Robert Bunson and Gustav Kirchhoff
Citations
http://electroncafe.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/explosion-friday-alkali-metals/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55kgyApYrY&edufilter=Db24N54Eu_vpe4P65Iz5Fa&safe=active
http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/0-306-47564-2_12#page-1
http://www.scientificlib.com/en/Chemistry/Biographies/images/JohanAugustArfwedson.jpg
http://www.rsc.org/education/teachers/resources/periodictable/scientists/bunsenkirchoff.htm
http://cnx.org/content/m31909/latest/?collection=col11124/latest