alkali metals

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alkali metals

alkali metals metals found in Group 1 of the periodic table . Compared to other metals they are soft and have low melting points and densities. Alkali metals are powerful reducing agents and form univalent compounds. All react violently with water, releasing hydrogen and forming hydroxides. They tarnish rapidly even in dry air. They are never found uncombined in nature. In order of increasing atomic number the alkali metals are lithium , sodium , potassium , rubidium , cesium , and francium .

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alkali metals

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

alkali metals Univalent metals forming Group I of the periodic table: lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium and francium. They are soft silvery-white metals that have low melting points. They tarnish rapidly in air and react violently with water to form hydroxides.

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