Alkali Metals: The elements Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Caesium (Cs) and Francium (Fr) together constitute 1 group of the long form of Periodic table. These are collectively known as Alkali metals because their oxides and hydroxides are soluble in water and form a strong alkaline (basic) solution. General Trends in Physical Properties of Alkali Metals: (i) Electronic Configuration- The general valence shell electronic configuration of Alkali metals is ns1, where ‘n’ is the number of valence shell and ranges from 2 – 7. Thus, Alkali metals have only one electron in the s-orbital of their outermost shell. Element … Continue reading Group 1 Elements (Alkali Metals)