Alkali metals are among the most reactive elements on earth as they shed electrons easily. Alkali metals include elements from the IA group such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). Alkali metal - Properties, Reactivity, Uses: The alkali metals have the high thermal and electrical conductivity, lustre, ductility, and malleability that are characteristic of metals. Each alkali metal atom has a single electron in its outermost shell. This valence electron is much more weakly bound than those in inner shells. As a result, the alkali metals tend to form singly charged positive ions (cations) when they react with nonmetals. The compounds that result have high melting points ... All alkali metals react with water, with heavier alkali metals more reactive than lighter metals. The elements of the alkali metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. Alkali metals are defined as a group of elements in the periodic table that share similar properties, characterized by their highly reactive nature and tendency to lose their outermost electron to form a +1 cation.
