Learning Outcome A:
Chemical reactivity and bonding
In this assignment, you will:
Describe the physical and chemical properties of group 1 and 7 elements.
Describe trends in the physical and chemical properties of group 1 and 7
elements.
Explain the trends in chemical properties of group 1 and 7 elements in terms of
electronic structure.
Compare properties of ionic and covalent substances.
Draw dot-and-cross diagrams of simple ionic and covalent substances.
Explain the properties of ionic and covalent substances.
Describe the formation of ionic and covalent substances.
Relate applications of compounds to their properties and to their bonding and
structure.
Name:
Group:
Tutor:
1
, Alkali Metals
Physical Properties
Complete the table below with the required information.
Name of Appearance Electrical Thermal Solubility Melting Boiling
Alkali conductivity conductivity in oil point point
Metal
Lithium Its soft and Good Good insoluble 180.5 °C 1,330 °C
silver and
whiteish
colour.
Sodium It’s a soft Good Good insoluble 97.79 °C 882.8 °C
bright silver
and whiteish
colour.
Potassiu Shiny silvery Good Good insoluble 63.5 °C 758.8 °C
m white
Rubidium A metallic Good ok insoluble 39.3 °C 688 °C
silver
Caesium A shiny Good ok insoluble 28.44 °C 670.8 °C
silvery
goldish
colour
Based on the table above, discuss any similarities and differences on the trends.
All the alkali metals have the same appearance as each other or close to the same
colour. They are all also contained in oil because they don’t dissolve or react to oil.
The melting and boiling point of these alkali metals get lower at you go down the
table, lithium’s melting point is 180.5°c and caesium’s melting point is 28.44°c.
Their Electrical conductivity and Thermal conductivity have are quite similar all the
alkali metals are a good conductor of electricity. Lithium, Sodium and Potassium are
also a good conductor of thermal while rubidium and caesium are ok.
2