Page 1: Alkali Metals and Alkaline Earth Metals
This page focuses on the properties and reactions of alkali metals lithium,sodium,potassium and alkaline earth metals beryllium,calcium,strontium,barium. It covers their reactions with oxygen, formation of hydroxides, and characteristic tests.
Highlight: Alkali metals are highly reactive, forming oxides, peroxides, and superoxides when exposed to oxygen.
The Blok s elements, particularly lithium, sodium, and potassium, demonstrate increasing reactivity down the group. Their reactions with oxygen produce different products:
- Lithium forms lithium oxide Li2O
- Sodium forms sodium peroxide Na2O2
- Potassium forms potassium superoxide KO2
Example: 2Na + O₂ → Na₂O₂ sodiumperoxideformation
The page also discusses the Trommer's test, which involves the reaction of copperII hydroxide with reducing sugars, resulting in a color change.
Vocabulary: Hygroscopic - A substance that readily absorbs moisture from the air.
Alkaline earth metals, including beryllium, calcium, strontium, and barium, are discussed in terms of their oxides and hydroxides. Beryllium oxide and hydroxide exhibit amphoteric properties, while the others are basic.
Definition: Amphoteric - A substance that can act as both an acid and a base.
The chemical activity of alkaline earth metals increases down the group, with calcium carbonate being a significant compound found in limestone.
Example: CaCO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → CaHCO3₂ formationofcalciumbicarbonateinhardwater