Question

Is hydrogen a alkali metal or not?and why?

Answer 1

Hydrogen is a very special element of the periodic table and doesn't belong to any family. While hydrogen sits in Group I, it is NOT an alkali metal. .To be considered as an alkali metal, an element should have low ionisation enthalpy.Hydrogen has an enthalpy value almost double of that of Lithium but so close to nitrogen or oxygen- which are by all means non metal.As the name suggests, alkali metals forms alkaline oxides& hydroxides but hydrogen forms a neutral compound.So even keeping in mind it's well-being discussed dual nature - properties akin to both alkali metals& halogens - hydrogen in no way can be taken as an alkali metal.