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Understanding Group 1 Alkali Metals and Group 7 Halogens

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30/11/2025

Chemistry

Group 1 and 7: Alkali Metals and Halogens

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30 Nov 2025

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Understanding Group 1 Alkali Metals and Group 7 Halogens

Ever wondered why table salt fizzes when it meets water,... Show more

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# GROUP 1

*   GROUP 1 ELEMENTS ARE ALKALI
    METALS
*   THE ALKALI METALS ARE LITHIUM
    (LI), SODIUM (NA), POTASSIUM (K),
    RUBIDIUM (

Group 1: The Alkali Metals

Think of alkali metals as the most sociable elements on the periodic table - they absolutely hate being alone! Group 1 includes lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs) and francium (Fr).

Here's the fascinating bit: these metals become more reactive as you travel down the group. So lithium is quite mild-mannered, but caesium is explosively reactive! This happens because each element down the group has one more electron shell than the one above it.

The extra shells mean the outer electron gets further from the nucleus, making it easier to lose. Since alkali metals desperately want to give away their single outer electron, more shells equals more reactivity.

Quick Tip: Remember "Down = More Dangerous" for Group 1 reactivity!

# GROUP 1

*   GROUP 1 ELEMENTS ARE ALKALI
    METALS
*   THE ALKALI METALS ARE LITHIUM
    (LI), SODIUM (NA), POTASSIUM (K),
    RUBIDIUM (

Group 7: The Halogens

Halogens are basically the opposite of alkali metals - they're the "electron thieves" of chemistry! The name halogen comes from Greek meaning "salt-maker" because they love combining with metals to form salts.

The halogen family includes fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I) and astatine (As). There's also tessennine (Ts), but it's so rare and unstable that it barely counts!

Unlike Group 1, halogens get more reactive as you go up the group. Fluorine at the top is absolutely vicious, whilst iodine at the bottom is relatively calm. They also get darker in colour as you move down - fluorine is pale yellow, chlorine is green, bromine is orange-red, and iodine is dark purple.

Memory Trick: Halogens are "Upwardly Mobile" - more reactive going up!

# GROUP 1

*   GROUP 1 ELEMENTS ARE ALKALI
    METALS
*   THE ALKALI METALS ARE LITHIUM
    (LI), SODIUM (NA), POTASSIUM (K),
    RUBIDIUM (

Halides: The Salt Connection

When halogens steal electrons from other elements, they become halides - negatively charged ions that are brilliant at forming salts. Think of common table salt (sodium chloride) - that's a classic halogen-alkali metal partnership!

This opposite reactivity pattern between Groups 1 and 7 makes perfect chemical sense. Alkali metals desperately want to lose an electron, whilst halogens are equally desperate to gain one.



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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

ย 

Chemistry

โ€ข

391

โ€ข

30 Nov 2025

โ€ข

3 pages

Understanding Group 1 Alkali Metals and Group 7 Halogens

Ever wondered why table salt fizzes when it meets water, or why some elements are so eager to react whilst others seem quite calm? Let's explore two fascinating groups from the periodic table that showcase completely opposite patterns of reactivity.

# GROUP 1

*   GROUP 1 ELEMENTS ARE ALKALI
    METALS
*   THE ALKALI METALS ARE LITHIUM
    (LI), SODIUM (NA), POTASSIUM (K),
    RUBIDIUM (

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Group 1: The Alkali Metals

Think of alkali metals as the most sociable elements on the periodic table - they absolutely hate being alone! Group 1 includes lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs) and francium (Fr).

Here's the fascinating bit: these metals become more reactive as you travel down the group. So lithium is quite mild-mannered, but caesium is explosively reactive! This happens because each element down the group has one more electron shell than the one above it.

The extra shells mean the outer electron gets further from the nucleus, making it easier to lose. Since alkali metals desperately want to give away their single outer electron, more shells equals more reactivity.

Quick Tip: Remember "Down = More Dangerous" for Group 1 reactivity!

# GROUP 1

*   GROUP 1 ELEMENTS ARE ALKALI
    METALS
*   THE ALKALI METALS ARE LITHIUM
    (LI), SODIUM (NA), POTASSIUM (K),
    RUBIDIUM (

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Group 7: The Halogens

Halogens are basically the opposite of alkali metals - they're the "electron thieves" of chemistry! The name halogen comes from Greek meaning "salt-maker" because they love combining with metals to form salts.

The halogen family includes fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I) and astatine (As). There's also tessennine (Ts), but it's so rare and unstable that it barely counts!

Unlike Group 1, halogens get more reactive as you go up the group. Fluorine at the top is absolutely vicious, whilst iodine at the bottom is relatively calm. They also get darker in colour as you move down - fluorine is pale yellow, chlorine is green, bromine is orange-red, and iodine is dark purple.

Memory Trick: Halogens are "Upwardly Mobile" - more reactive going up!

# GROUP 1

*   GROUP 1 ELEMENTS ARE ALKALI
    METALS
*   THE ALKALI METALS ARE LITHIUM
    (LI), SODIUM (NA), POTASSIUM (K),
    RUBIDIUM (

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Halides: The Salt Connection

When halogens steal electrons from other elements, they become halides - negatively charged ions that are brilliant at forming salts. Think of common table salt (sodium chloride) - that's a classic halogen-alkali metal partnership!

This opposite reactivity pattern between Groups 1 and 7 makes perfect chemical sense. Alkali metals desperately want to lose an electron, whilst halogens are equally desperate to gain one.

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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user