Question:

Compared with the alkaline earth metals, the alkali metals exhibit:

Updated On: Jul 12, 2022
  • smaller ionic radii
  • higher boiling points
  • greater hardness
  • lower ionization energies
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Alkali metals have lower ionization energy in comparisoun to the alkaline earth metals. The reason is that their atomic size is greater and hence, it is easy to pull out an electron from outer-most shell, hence the required energy (lonisation energy) is less.
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Concepts Used:

Group 1 Elements

Group one of alkali metals is s-block elements with just one electron in their s-orbital. They are are alkali metals. They are named so because of the alkaline nature of the hydroxides and oxides.

Alkali metals are characterized by one s-electron in the valence shell of their atoms.

Alkali metals have a corresponding [Noble gas] ns1 electronic configuration. They occupy the first column of the periodic table. Alkali elements are:

  • Lithium(Li)
  • Sodium(Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Rubidium (Ru)
  • Cesium (Cs)
  • Francium (Fr)

They have occupied successive periods from first to seven. Francium is a radioactive element with very low half-life.

Electronic Configuration:

  • Alkali metals have one electron in their valence shell.
  • The electronic configuration is given by ns1. For example, the electronic configuration of lithium is given by 1ns1 2ns1.
  • They tend to lose the outer shell electron to form cations with charge +1 (monovalent ions).

This makes them the most electropositive elements and due to the same reason, they are not found in the pure state.