Alkali Metals
By: Madi Reynolds
What are they?
Alkali Metals are very reactive, electropositive, monovalent metals forming strongly alkaline hydroxides. They are the elements lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and francium, which occupy Group 1A of the periodic table.The elements all have similar properties; highly reactive, shiny, soft, and they lose their outer electron to form cations with a +1 charge.
Where can you find them?
Alkali Metals can only be found naturally in salts. They are never found as a free element. Although, since Hydrogen can be considered an Alkali Metal, it is found in the core of Jupiter and Saturn.
What are they used for?
Alkali Metals can be used in:
- atomic clocks
- salt
- soap
- street lights
- textile industry
- fertilizers
- fireworks
- explosives
- electronic tubes
- vapor turbines
- optical glasses
- batteries