Alkali metals are a group of elements found in Group 1 of the periodic table. They are characterized by having one electron in their outermost shell, which makes them highly reactive, especially with water. The alkali metals include:
- Lithium (Li)
- Sodium (Na)
- Potassium (K)
These elements are known for their strong reactivity and their ability to form basic (alkaline) solutions when combined with water. Therefore, option (B) is correct.
Step 1: Be, Mg, Ca.
Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), and Calcium (Ca) are alkaline earth metals, which are in Group 2 of the periodic table, not alkali metals. So, option (A) is incorrect.
Step 2: B, Al, Ga.
Boron (B), Aluminum (Al), and Gallium (Ga) are elements in Group 13 of the periodic table, which are not alkali metals. Therefore, option (C) is incorrect.
Step 3: Cu, Ag, Au.
Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), and Gold (Au) are transition metals, not alkali metals. Therefore, option (D) is incorrect.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct alkali metals are Li, Na, and K. The correct answer is (B).