Question

Lithium, sodium, potassium are all metals that react with water to liberate hydrogen gas. Is there any similarity in the atoms of these elements?

Answer 1

Alkali Metals:

• Metals are known as the minerals or substances that get form naturally below the surface of the earth and they are basically known to have the tendency to donate electrons easily.
• The group 1 elements react with water forming form metal hydroxides which are alkaline. This is why they are called alkali metals.
• Also, all the Group 1 elements are very reactive and hence must be stored under oil to keep air and water away from them.

The similarity between Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium:

• Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium are all called alkali metals.
• As alkali metals, they easily react with water to produce hydrogen and metal hydroxides which are alkaline in nature.
• They have only one valence electron in their outermost shells, which makes them extremely unstable and reactive.

Hence, yes, there are similarities between Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium, which have been mentioned above.