Reaction of

Alkali Metals
with Water
 Observations

Li Na K
Appear Shiny / Lustre
Hardness Soft Softer Softest
floats/surface, melts,
Behaviour Flame
bubbles/moves/fizz
Splint Pop Nothing
Litmus Blue/base
 Answers to Questions 1-4
1. K was most reactive, Li was least.
2. Li Na K
3 p+ 2 1 11 p+ 2 8 1 19 p+ 2 8 8 1
4 n0 12 n0 20 n0

3. The outer electron. Because positive and

negative charges attract, but this attraction
decreases with distance (like magnets).
4. K was most reactive because its outer
electron is further away and thus easier to
remove. Li is least reactive because its outer
electron is closer and harder to remove.
 Answers to Questions 5-7
5. Rb, Cs, or Fr is more reactive
There is not one that is less reactive
6. Litmus tested for hydroxide
A flaming splint tested for hydrogen gas
7. The K beaker did not react because the
hydrogen was already used up
 Misconceptions
3. Electrons are attracted to protons with an
electrostatic force, not magnetism or gravity.
4. K is not more reactive than Li because it has
more electrons, it is because its outer
electron is further from the nucleus.
7. CO2 is not a product when a metal burns or
when H2 burns, only when the original
substance contains C. In this case H 2 was
burning and producing H2O. Excess N2 and
no H2 (or O2) can explain the splint going out.
 Observations

Li Na K
Appear Shiny / Lustre (1)
Hardness Soft Softer Softest (1)
floats/surface, melts,
Behaviour Flame (1)
bubbles/moves/fizz (3)
Splint Pop (1) Nothing (1)
Litmus Blue/base (1)
Mark: /9
 Answers to Questions 1-4
1. K was most reactive, Li was least (1)
2. Li Na K
3 p+ 2 1 11 p+ 2 8 1 19 p+ 2 8 8 1
4 n0 12 n0 20 n0
(1) (1) (1)
3. The outer electron (1). Because positive and
negative charges attract, but this attraction
decreases with distance (like magnets).
4. K was most reactive because its outer
electron is further away and thus easier to
remove. Li is least reactive because its outer
electron is closer and harder to remove.(1) /6
 Answers to Questions 5-7
5. Rb, Cs, or Fr is more reactive (1)
There is not one that is less reactive (1)
6. Litmus tested for hydroxide (1)
A flaming splint tested for hydrogen gas (1)
7. The K beaker did not react because the
hydrogen was already used up (1)

This slide: /5
Total: /20

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