Question

Metals such as lithium, sodium and potassium are called _________ metals.

Answer 1

• Alkali metals include lithium$\left(\mathrm{Li}\right)$, sodium $\left(\mathrm{Na}\right)$, potassium$\left(\mathrm{K}\right)$, rubidium $\left(\mathrm{Rb}\right)$, cesium $\left(\mathrm{Cs}\right)$ and francium $\left(\mathrm{Fr}\right)$.
• They are also called group 1 elements.
• The group 1 elements are called alkali metals because their oxides or hydroxides form basic or alkaline solutions on treatment with water.
• They lie in the $\mathrm{s}$ block of the periodic table.
• All of them have 1 valence electron in their outermost shell.

Thus, metals such as lithium, sodium, and potassium are called alkali metals.